Black Bears Spotted in Morgantown: Downtown Residents Urged to…

Black Bears Spotted in Morgantown: Downtown Residents Urged to Stay Vigilant

Date: Monday, June 19, 2025
Location: Morgantown, West Virginia

Multiple Black Bear Sightings Stir Concern Downtown

Residents and commuters in downtown Morgantown were startled by sightings of one—or possibly two—black bears in close proximity to West Virginia University (WVU) and surrounding neighborhoods. The unexpected appearances prompted swift responses from local authorities, including WVU Police, Morgantown Police, and wildlife officials.

First Sighting: Surveillance Footage Near 8th Street

One of the earliest reported incidents involved a bear captured on surveillance video near the PRT (Personal Rapid Transit) Maintenance Facility on 8th Street. The black bear—clearly visible in the footage— was reported to WVU Police. In response, law enforcement quickly mobilized, combing the area to try and locate the animal. Despite their best efforts, the bear had disappeared into nearby wooded terrain by the time officers arrived on scene.

Second Sighting: Mother Bear with Two Cubs at Core Arboretum

A separate event later in the morning brought even more urgency. Morgantown Police were alerted to a female black bear accompanied by two cubs near Beechurst Avenue, in close proximity to the Core Arboretum. While it’s not yet known if this bear and her cubs are the same individual captured on 8th Street video—or belong to an entirely different group— authorities are treating these as multiple, distinct sightings, underscoring the possibility of more than one bear venturing into urban areas.

University Issues Community Alert, Urges Caution

In light of the bear activity, West Virginia University’s Police Department issued a prompt Community Notice to students, faculty, and staff. The message highlighted the increased risk of human-wildlife interaction and urged the campus community and general public to be especially vigilant.

The notice emphasized that while black bears are seldom aggressive, encounters in urban environments can escalate if wildlife feels cornered or startled. Residents have been strongly advised to report any sightings immediately by dialing 911. Efforts remain ongoing, with police patrols ramped up downtown and along potential wildlife pathways.

Why These Encounters Are Increasing

A Growing Bear Population

Black bears (Ursus americanus) have made a striking recovery across West Virginia. In the 1970s, population estimates placed fewer than 500 bears, primarily in remote mountain regions. Over recent decades, concerted conservation efforts—including regulated hunting, habitat restoration, and improved public tolerance—have fostered a significant rebound. Today, bears inhabit most counties across the state

Bears Near Cities: A Modern Wildlife Trend

Recent wildlife research has revealed that West Virginia’s black bears are far more adaptable than once believed. GPS tracking of bears around Morgantown, Charleston, and Beckley shows that many individuals spend considerable time within three miles of city centers—some even venturing into residential neighborhoods or university campuses They exploit food sources such as unsecured garbage, bird feeders, pet food, and even compost. Urban corridors, like mixed woodland and residential mosaic landscapes, provide both shelter and easy movement routes.