Bear sightings around Northeast Ohio are unusual, but not completely rare.
Mike Sustin, a bear expert who has worked under grants to study their migration patterns says, "In the entire state of Ohio we've got, roughly 50 to 100 bears at any given time."
However, multiple bear sightings in the inner suburbs like we've had this week in Brecksville and Pepper Pike are pretty rare.
"It's unusual to see bears inside our freeway system. It's difficult for them to get in, it's noisy, human presence, dogs and fenced back yards, it's just too much trouble for them."
Despite the odds, a black bear was spotted roaming the neighborhood.
Brecksville Police got a call around 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday night from a Highland Drive resident telling them that a black bear was sniffing around the beehive in their backyard.
Another was spotted in Pepper Pike by a landscaper on Bremerton Road.
There’s also been reports of Coyotes out an about. It's clear to see the warmer weather means hibernation is over.
The good news when it comes to bears, experts like Sustin say they're more afraid of you than you are of them. If you do spot one, make yourself bigger by putting your hands high and speak in a loud, assertive voice. Make sure not to run.
"If it happens to be an adult bear, there could be cubs and if you turn and run, that could be perseived as a threatening move," says Sustin.
Animal experts say if you see a coyote you should also make a loud noise, slowly back away and shine a light at it. Do not turn your back.
As far as what you can do to prevent wildlife from coming to visit, stop serving dinner.
Sustin says, "Take in the bird feeders. Take out your garbage the morning of garbage day, not the night before. Don't feed your pets on teh back porch. Don't leave pet food out on the porch. Clean the barbeque grill. Be smarter than the average bear."