Bear sighting confirmed in Washtenaw County

Police and Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials are confirming the sighting of a black bear near Dexter this week.  

The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department says there were two reports of a bear at Hudson Mills Metropark last weekend. Then on Tuesday, a nearby homeowner spotted the bear, and took  photos.

Mary Dettloff is with the DNR. She says conservation officers confirmed evidence of a bear on the property.

“This appears to be a younger bear that was probably chased off by an older bear from northern Michigan," Dettloff says. "They will travel a great distance to find food and territory.”

Dettloff says the bear was attracted to the homeowner’s beehives.

She says the DNR would like to attach a radio collar to the bear so they can track it, but there are no plans to move the bear from the area unless it goes to a more populated area.

The DNR warns nearby residents and campers not to leave garbage or pet food outdoors --  including seed and hummingbird feeders.