A black bear wandered across a driveway near the Ross Barnett Reservoir in Fannin, drawing attention from neighbors on Northshore Parkway and Church Road. 16 WAPT reported on a similar story here. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks confirmed the sighting but said the bear is not causing problems for residents.
Leigh-Anne Ainsworth, who has lived in Fannin for more than three decades, said she had never seen a black bear in the area before. She keeps a close eye on her grandchildren and worries about their safety if wildlife moves closer to home. “You don’t want them to get too close,” she said. “I would not be happy if one showed up in my yard.”
Anthony Ballard, who leads the Black Bear Program for the state, said residents should not panic. He explained that a bear in the neighborhood does not pose an immediate threat, but people should remove anything that might draw the animal in.
Steps to take:
- Secure trash and scraps
- Avoid leaving pet food or bird seed outside
- Cover compost piles
Bears have a strong sense of smell and will investigate if they pick up food scents. Ballard said the department only steps in if a bear becomes a threat to people, and in those cases, they may have to euthanize the animal.
Wildlife officials ask neighbors to report any bear sightings through the department’s website instead of calling police or fire services. This direct reporting helps wildlife crews track the animal and protect both the public and the bear.
