Bear spotted near Roan School in Dalton

DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) — The Dalton Police Department reported a black bear has been sighted between Roan School and the Mack Gaston Community Center.

The police department asks the public to avoid contact with the bear and to stay indoors, if possible.

Dalton’s Public Safety is monitoring the animal.

Bear spotted in Dalton on Thursday. Dalton Police Dept.

Police said they have called Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to respond.

The City of Dalton said the DNR’s policy is to not interfere with bears unless they have been inside the city for several days. They want the bear to find its way back where it came from without interfere or hurting it.

Public Safety said it was last seen in the area of MLK Boulevard and Roan Street.

The city recommends citizens keep lids firmly placed on garbage cans. They also ask citizens not to leave garbage out in plastic bags, which could attract the bear.