Bear sightings reported in Newark

There have been multiple sightings of a bear in western Newark, police said.

The sightings came Saturday morning and evening in backyards along Julie Lane in Barksdale Estates, off Casho Mill Road, according to Lt. Andrew Rubin, a spokesman for the Newark Police Department.

At least two people reported seeing the animal, but police officers have not yet seen it firsthand, Rubin said.

He added there was also a report of a bear in the area the previous day.

Rachael DeFilippis, who lives on Julie Lane, said her security camera captured video of the bear visiting her back yard shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday.

"We took our dogs out to the back yard about 20 minutes later, and they wouldn’t leave the deck," DeFilippis said. "They were sniffing the area the bear had been in. We got texts from friends saying there was a bear sighting on our street, so we checked our cameras and there he/she was."

On Monday and Tuesday, more sightings were reported in Scottfield and in Bear.

Police are warning people to be alert but, as of now, are not attempting to track or capture the bear.

“It's a wild animal,” Rubin said. “They're allowed to run where they want. We're just letting people know that it's out there.”

DNREC Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police has been made aware of the bear, and that agency would be the one to decide if any action needs to be taken. Typically, officials won't attempt to interfere unless a bear gets close to humans or develops a pattern, such as staying in one area.

On Saturday night, the University of Delaware sent an emergency alert to students, warning them to be cautious of the bear.

"As a safety precaution, seek shelter if the bear is observed and call 911. Do not approach the bear," the alert read.

Bear sightings are rare in Delaware, but one bear – nicknamed Delabear – made a splash here in 2016, when it was spotted in Newark and several other places throughout the area. Another possible sighting happened in Rittenhouse Park the following year, but it was never confirmed.

Wildlife officials say this is the time of year that bears tend to wander. Young males are looking for habitats and mates and often travel long distances to do so.

Bears often travel along natural corridors, like creek beds and railroad tracks.

If you saw the bear and would like to talk to a reporter about your experience, email jshannon@chespub.com or call 443-907-8437.

Video courtesy of Rachael DeFilippis