Vicksburg Chief of Police Penny Jones is warning locals to stay clear of wild animals people might encounter in populated areas after a black bear was spotted at the Old Courthouse Museum early Wednesday morning.

“Earlier this morning, a black bear was spotted in the downtown area in a tree outside the old courthouse,” Jones said. “While this may seem unusual, it’s important to remember that a bear is not a pet, and under no circumstances should anyone attempt to approach or feed the bear.”

Residents are asked to secure their trashcans and remove any leftover food containers or food wrappers from their vehicles, Jones said in a post to Vicksburg Police Department’s Facebook page.

“Bears have a keen sense of smell, and any accessible food or garbage is an invitation that a hungry bear cannot resist,” Jones said. “For your safety, and the safety of your pets, please avoid the area. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has been notified. They have advised us to leave the bear alone and allow it to leave the area on its own, without human interaction.

“Our officers are circulating the area to inform pedestrians of the situation. Please be vigilant, stay indoors if you are nearby, and ensure your pets are secure. Let’s work together to keep our community safe.”