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Black bear spotted at Jamboree in the Hills site

MORRISTOWN — Residents of western Belmont County are being alerted that a black bear may be roaming the area.

Sheriff David Lucas on Saturday confirmed his office has received reports of bear sightings in the area of the Jamboree In The Hills site, located along National Road east of Morristown. Video recordings shared by local residents on social media show what appears to be a bear walking near campers and vehicles at the concert venue and reportedly near the Union Local schools campus a few miles to the west.

“It is not uncommon for bears to venture into our area,” Lucas said.

According to Lucas, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has been notified of the sightings. He said that agency is asking residents and law enforcement officers to keep an eye out for the animal and to report any sightings immediately. Lucas said ODNR will attempt to capture and relocate the bear if it is found.

No deputies or law enforcement officers have encountered the bear so far, Lucas said, and there have been no incidents between the animal and area residents. Lucas was not certain if the sightings involve a single, isolated bear, or if more than one may be in the area.

“If you see it, do not confront it,” Lucas advised. “Let the bear be and call 911.”

Jamboree In The Hills begins Thursday, but campers are already arriving at the site.

According to ODNR, the black bear is the most common species of bear in North America. Despite their name, these bears appear in a range of colors that include black, chocolate brown, cinnamon brown, blue-black and even white.

An adult black bear can weigh 150 to 700 pounds. Males, when standing upright, measure 5-6 feet tall; females are smaller, measuring 4-5 feet. They have a large home range and travel a great deal, ODNR states. Black bears are crepuscular, meaning they are active early in the morning and late in the evening. They are omnivores, so they will eat a variety of foods from fruits and grasses to meat.

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