Bear suffering from mange spotted near Leach Run Parkway

A bear was spotted by neighborhood residents near the edge of town on the evening of July 31st. Wandering into the backyard of local residents, the bear was reported to have a sickly look to it. Scabbed skin and a loss of hair showed the advanced stages of mange affecting the bear. Luckily the bear wandered off without anyone getting hurt.

Local Animal Control was called, however they stated that they are not equipped to handle bear sightings. Residents of Front Royal who see bears are instead urged instead to contact Virginia Game Commission (1-855-521-9003) for assistance. Bears are common in this area of Virginia, especially when growing suburban areas offer easy feeding grounds to bears, so being knowledgeable of what to do in the case of a bear sighting is critical.

Local expert and District Wildlife Biologist, Fred Frenzel offered some advice to anyone who encounters a bear wandering their own backyard. “Bear’s activity is best managed at it’s source: food. It is important to not leave food out in your yards where bears can get to it, such as maintaining trash, keeping pet food inside, and removing bird feeders around April when bears come out of hibernation.” Fred also suggested buying or constructing bear resistant trash cans, of which helpful tips can be found on the Virginia Game Commission website. “If you do encounter a bear in the area, it will be a black bear because we only have black bear’s in Virginia. If the bear is in your campsite or backyard, harass it with loud noises, pots and pans, air horns, and shouting, to scare it off. If you want more information about how you can prevent bear-incidents, visit https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/bear/ ”

In regards to mange, Fred Frenzel cautions residents of Front Royal against bears with the condition, as it can effect pets, especially canines. Mange is actually caused by a parasitic mite. Symptoms include an extreme itch, scabbing, hair loss, and can lead to bacterial infections and the death of the animal.  Mange causes bears to become lethargic, slowing their metabolism and inciting them to find places to rest. While they aren’t aggressive, they should still be treated with caution just like any bear. “Bears contracting Mange is a new development in Virginia, with our first case popping up five years ago in the Fredrick County.”says Frenzel.  He advises that if a bear with mange comes in contact with an area that your pets frequent to clean it out with disinfectant and pest killers to keep your pets safe and mange-free.