News Summary
A local resident captured a photograph of a black bear swimming in the North Landing River in Virginia Beach. This sighting is part of a rising trend of bear encounters in urban areas, prompting wildlife experts to remind the public to maintain a safe distance. The recent increase in black bear sightings includes multiple incidents across Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, as bears venture into neighborhoods in search of food. Local authorities emphasize the importance of coexistence with wildlife and recommend securing trash to deter bears from residential areas.
Virginia Beach – A black bear was spotted swimming in the North Landing River on Friday morning, a sight captured by a local resident during an early walk. This incident is part of a series of bear sightings that have increased in recent days across Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, raising awareness about bear activity in urban areas.
David Rodgers, a resident of Virginia Beach, took a photograph of the bear as it swam leisurely in the river. Officials from the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke confirmed that it is quite common for bears to swim, noting that they often seek water to cool off. Chester Leonard, the Executive Director of the organization, stated that bears are skilled swimmers, adept at navigating aquatic environments.
Wildlife experts caution the public not to approach or disturb bears, regardless of whether they are on dry land or in water. If an observer happens to see a bear swimming, they should refrain from swimming towards the animal or approaching it in a boat. In the event that a bear emerges from the water, it is recommended to avoid panic. Instead, individuals should walk away slowly while making their presence known to minimize potential threats.
It is important to remember that bear attacks are exceedingly rare, as bears often prefer to avoid human encounters. However, residents who come across a bear are advised to keep a safe distance and may capture photographs from afar without approaching the animal directly.
The recent sighting follows another report on Tuesday in Chesapeake, where a woman described seeing a bear cross the street into a Salvation Army parking lot. Over the past week, three separate black bear sightings have been documented in both Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. Additional sightings recorded include one bear in Greenbrier and another reported on Queen City Road last Thursday.
According to an expert from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, bears typically venture into urban areas in search of food and tend to be more frightened of humans than we are of them. This behavior often leads to unexpected encounters as bears navigate through neighborhoods in search of easier food sources.
Residents, like Jennifer Woods, expressed surprise at spotting a bear while driving in the urban surroundings of Greenbrier. Such encounters prompt authorities to remind the public of precautionary measures they can take to keep both humans and bears safe. If residents encounter a bear, it is advisable to back away slowly and observe from a distance.
To help deter bears from frequenting residential areas, experts recommend securing trash and other attractants that might lure them into neighborhoods. Properly disposing of garbage and removing potential food sources can significantly reduce the likelihood of bear sightings and encounters in urban settings.
The growing frequency of black bear sightings has raised awareness in the community, prompting discussions on coexistence strategies between humans and wildlife. As urban development encroaches on natural habitats, residents are reminded to respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance from these animals to ensure safety for both parties.
As the bear population continues to thrive, local authorities will monitor the situation, encouraging residents to remain watchful and informed about wildlife in their neighborhoods.
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Additional Resources
- WAVY: Bear Takes Refreshing Dip in Virginia Beach River
- WAVY Video: Bear Takes Refreshing Dip
- WTKR: Virginia Beach Residents Concerned About Coyote Sightings
- 13 News Now: Black Bear Spotted Again in Virginia Beach
- Bear World Magazine: Meet Fushia DeVille, Virginia Mama Bear 2025
- Wikipedia: Bears in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
