Officials say sightings of animals such as snakes, coyotes, foxes, and black bears typically increase this time of year as animals come out in search of food.
In western North Carolina, black bears are already on the move. Wildlife officials in Buncombe County say the community has shared several photos of bear sightings over the past week with our partner station in Asheville.
According to the Wildlife Resources Commission, black bears rarely become aggressive toward people, and attacks on humans are very uncommon. However, officials stress the importance of keeping a safe distance and avoiding any interaction.
If you encounter a bear near your home, wildlife experts recommend never feeding or approaching the animal. Residents should also secure food sources, including garbage and recycling, remove bird feeders when bears are active, and clean and store grills and smokers properly.
The National Park Service says the biggest threat to bears is human behavior, noting that unsecured food often leads bears into neighborhoods.
Officials urge residents to take precautions now to avoid dangerous encounters as wildlife activity continues to increase throughout the spring.