WESTOVER, W.Va. – Police in Westover heave been investigating several reports of a three legged bear in the city over the weekend.
Chief Richard Panico says the 200 pound bear was first sighted around noon on Sunday in the area of Columbus Street, next callers placed the bear on Florida Street moving toward the river.
Panico said officers set up on Dunkard Avenue thinking the bear would have to cross on the way to the river.
The next sighting of the bear was off Monongalia Boulevard headed toward the river.
Panico says officials from the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources authorized them to neutralize the bear if it was aggressive, otherwise they would come to Westover on Wednesday to trap the bear.
Monday morning the bear was spotted near the bus terminal crossing the street near the United Bank, on the River Road side by one of the drivers. When officers approached the bear he ran toward the area.
West Virginia DNR officials and workers from Wild Life Management are offering advice and assistance to police.
Panico has expressed concern for residents and Westover Park users and is urging anyone that may see the bear to call 911. He says don’t leave trash, garbage or anything that may draw the bear out. He also cautions households that may have small pets as well.