Unexpected tourist: Black bear visits Vicksburg

VICKSBURG, MS. – A black bear was sighted in the downtown area last night. Footage recorded the bear walking in front of the Youth Detention Center, the Old Courthouse Museum also caught footage of the bear in a tree on the property.

According to reports, the Vicksburg Police Department were aware of the black bear and were tracking it last night.

In a post made on Facebook this morning by the Vicksburg Police Department, Vicksburg Police Chief Penny Jones stated:

“Earlier this morning, a black bear was spotted in the downtown area in a tree outside the old courthouse. While this may seem unusual, it’s important to remember that a bear is not a pet, and under no circumstances should anyone attempt to approach or feed the bear.

Residents are asked to secure their trashcans and remove any leftover food containers or food wrappers from their vehicles. Bears have a keen sense of smell, and any accessible food or garbage is an invitation that a hungry bear cannot resist.

For your safety, and the safety of your pets, please avoid the area. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has been notified. They have advised us to leave the bear alone and allow it to leave the area on its own, without human interaction.

Our officers are circulating the area to inform pedestrians of the situation. Please be vigilant, stay indoors if you are nearby, and ensure your pets are secure. Let’s work together to keep our community safe.”

Watch VDN‘s live of the sighting below: