Bear spotted in Chesterfield County backyards

TL;DR: A black bear has been spotted in residential neighborhoods in Chesterfield County, prompting wildlife officials to remind residents to secure food sources and maintain distance.

The story

Black bears have been spotted wandering through residential neighborhoods in Chesterfield County, with documented sightings near the Enon area where the animals damaged backyards, bird feeders, and gardens. Residents Jodie and Eric Schorr captured video of a bear moving through their yard and climbing over a fence to neighboring properties, where Melissa Dunn and George Henderson found evidence of destruction including damaged bird feeders and destroyed plants.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources identifies parts of Chesterfield County, along with North Dinwiddie and Hanover County, as areas where bear sightings are most common in Central Virginia. Virginia is home to 18,000 to 20,000 black bears, and the animals increasingly frequent residential areas as they forage for food. Spring and early summer—between mid-May and mid-July—is peak season for bear activity, when female bears naturally disperse their cubs to establish new territories. This behavioral pattern drives the seasonal increase in residential encounters.

According to wildlife officials, most bear conflicts can be resolved through removing attractants rather than direct intervention. Residents should secure trash at all times, remove bird feeders, clear fallen fruit from yards, and store or thoroughly clean grills to eliminate food odors. If a grill cannot be stored, turning it on and letting it burn until there is no smell of food can help deter visits.

Residents who encounter bears or suspect recent activity should report sightings to the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 855-571-9003 (TTY 711), available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or email vawildlifeconflict@usda.gov. For local coordination, Chesterfield County Animal Services can be reached at 804-748-1683 or the non-emergency police line at 804-748-1251.

Key players

• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) — State wildlife agency managing bear conflicts and providing guidance
• Chesterfield County Animal Services — Local animal control for wildlife reports and county coordination
• Wildlife Center of Virginia — Rehabilitation facility caring for displaced bear cubs

Key dates

• 2026-05-15 — Peak season begins: female bears disperse cubs from nests
• 2026-07-15 — Peak season ends: dispersal period concludes

Why it matters: As Chesterfield County expands and black bear populations establish themselves across Virginia, residents need practical guidance on coexisting safely with wildlife. Understanding seasonal patterns, knowing how to eliminate food attractants, and having direct contacts for reporting conflicts helps protect both residents and bears while reducing property damage and dangerous encounters.

Places

• Enon
• Skinquarter area
• Chesterfield County

Related links

• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources — Living with Black Bears
• Virginia DWR — Becoming Bear Aware!
• Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline
• Chesterfield County Animal Services
• Wildlife Center of Virginia — Black Bear Information

Read the original at Google News: Chesterfield County →

Sources

• Bear spotted in Chesterfield County yards, gardens
• Bear spotted wandering in Chesterfield County neighborhoods Friday
• Black bear spotted in Enon area – 8News
• VA Department of Wildlife Resources warns to be aware of black bears during spring
• Cubs return to the wild after care from the Wildlife Center of Virginia
• Living with Black Bears in Virginia — Virginia DWR
• Be Bear Aware – It's the Season for Bear Sightings
• Black Bear | Virginia DWR