‘Look at that dog, big dog, no bear!’ Homeowner startled to find bear in front yard

GRANDVIEW, Mo. (KCTV) - A black bear remains on the loose after it was spotted roaming around, going through people’s yards.

Eber Pearson spotted the bear in his front yard and took a picture, alerting the authorities.

“We were getting ready to go out and walk the dogs, and all of a sudden, we had a companion come up, a black bear,” Pearson said.

Pearson said at first, he thought it was just a large dog, but then he looked closer.

“Wow, look at that dog, big dog, no bear! We really weren’t expecting that,” Pearson said.

The first report came from a Grandview Police Officer. The officer spotted the bear around 5:45 a.m. near the Taco Bell at the West Outer Road and Main Street.

READ MORE: WATCH: Grandview confirms black bear sightings in town

The next sighting came from Pearson at his house near 13th and Skyline. That’s when he called 911.

“We showed them the picture, and they were like, oh, it is a bear, thinking maybe it was just a big dog,” Pearson said. “Then we had animal control come up, and we showed them a picture, and they did the same thing.”

Amy Nash, the neighborhood services supervisor, said that spotting a bear this far north is rare, but it’s starting to happen more often.

“They are obviously migrating further north for whatever reason,” Nash said. “We kind of compare it to armadillos. You used to only see them in Texas, and now you can see them on highways and in people’s yards.”

In fact, on Sunday, there was a bear sighting at the Grass Pad in Stilwell, Kansas, about 15 miles from Grandview. Surveillance video shows the bear walking north across 199th St.

“Yes, it is possible it’s the same bear,” Nash said.

So, while unlikely, if you see a bear in your yard, Nash says to call 911 and get inside, just like Pearson did.

“He hasn’t come back yet, and I would really appreciate it if he doesn’t come back,” Pearson said.

Here’s what residents need to know about the bear, according to the Department of Conservation:

• If you see the bear, call 911 and do not approach the animal
• Do not leave any food or trash outside
• Lock any dumpsters if possible
• Watch your pets and do not leave them alone outside

Animal Control does not know if the bear has cubs. The Missouri Department of Conservation says it is unlikely because the bear crossed the interstate.

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