Signs of Black Bear Prompts Warning At Signal Hill Park

Manassas Park and the Department of Parks and Recreation have issued a Black Bear Advisory and closed a portion of Signal Hill Park after finding signs of black bears at the 110-acre site.

Anyone who visits the park should use extra caution and be on the lookout for black bears. Call the department at 703/335-8872 to report a bear sighting. Bear sightings are on the rise in Virginia and park officials said in a press release that there has been evidence of bear activity and numerous reported sightings from late March through April. Park visitors with dogs should keep their pets leashed at all times during this advisory period. Trash should be dropped in the appropriate trash bins because bears have strong sense of smell and are attracted to food odors, dog food and even bird seed. As a precaution, park officials closed the trail's back loop.

Park officials warn that anyone who encounters a black bear should not approach the animal. Instead, leave the bear alone and try to make contact with the parks department. Making loud noises with a car horn or clapping can scare the bear away, but leaving the animal alone is advised.

Find more tips on black bears at the Virginia Department of Games and Inland Fisheries website at www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/bear.