FORT GIBSON, Okla. -- Fort Gibson police are warning residents to keep their distance after a black bear was recently spotted in town.
Officials say the bears are on the move and the sightings are probably going to become more common.
Police Chief Donnie Yarbrough said, "They are more scared of you than you are of them. They are just trying to move through. These are the black bears. They are not the grizzly. They're not as dangerous as a grizzly bear, not as aggressive."
Residents are urged to not approach bears.
The chief said, "We contacted the Oklahoma Department of wildlife. They came down and made contact with us and advised us that the Bears were migrating from Arkansas, coming this way heading west along along the river banks. If they made a wrong turn, they'll get lost and end up in town."
Residents who do spot bears can contact the Oklahoma Game Wardens or Ft. Gibson police.
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