Crime & Safety
Black Bear Spotted Wednesday in Apple Valley Neighborhoods
The Apple Valley Police Department fielded three calls from residents saying they had seen a black bear in different residential areas of the city. Police did not find a bear, but believe the sightings were legitimate.
Three people reported seeing a young black bear in residential areas of Apple Valley on Wednesday night, according to a press release from the .
Between 9:45 and 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, residents reported seeing the bear in areas between Galaxie Avenue and Pilot Knob Road and south of 140th Street, and north of 145th Street, according to the release.
Police officers who responded didn't find a bear, the release said, but saw animal tracks that lead them to believe that the sightings were legitimate.
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The Dakota County Sheriff’s Department said their deputies responded to two calls about bear sightings on May 1, in Eureka Township and Empire Township, and while investigating in Empire Township the deputy saw a black bear.
If residents see a bear, police ask them to call 9-1-1 to report the sighting; tell the dispatcher the bear's location and which way it is going, and let police respond.
Find out what's happening in Apple Valley-Rosemountwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Black bears are native to Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources has a web publication with more information, called “Bear Country: Learning to live with Bears," attached to this story.
The Minnesota DNR advises residents not to approach bears, and to leave them alone.
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