By SHAWN STREET
shawn@virginiamediainc.com
Honaker as long been known as the “Home of the Tigers”. But in recent weeks, another form of wildlife has made the town its home – bears.
The Honaker Town Hall issued a statement last week about the bears that have been reported throughout town.
“We have received numerous calls and complaints about bears in town,” the statement read. “We have contacted the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and they advised that bears are searching for food sources.”
The statement went on to say, “They recommend that residents keep all dog and cat food indoors and use bear-proof trash cans. They also advised that if you see or unexpectedly encounter a bear, you should make yourself appear larger and make plenty of noise, such as setting off your car alarm, to scare the bear away.”
Bear Wise, an organization devoted to helping humans and bears live near one another safely, offers a number of tips:
Never feed or approach bears
Secure food, garbage and recycling
Remove birdfeeders
Never leave pet food outside
Clean and store grills
Alert neighbors to bear activity
Several Honaker residents have commented on seeing the animals.
“There was one on my porch last Friday,” said Crystal Justus. “One of my neighbors watched it walk by her house and down to mine and turn the trash can over.”
Allen Johnson said, “He keeps getting in my trash. I walked out to go to work and he was standing there looking at me. I turned around and walked back in my home like wow that was close!”
Sharon Pinder stated, “There’s been one on Fairmont a few days in a row.”
Anyone with questions or concerns is urged to contact the Virginia Department o Wildlife Resources at 804-367-1000 with any concerns or questions.