Sheriff: 200-pound black bear spotted near homes in Anson Co.

ANSON COUNTY, N.C. — The Anson County Sheriff's Office said they have received numerous calls about a large black bear in the Wadesboro area.

The 200-pound black bear has many people in the town on edge.

The sightings occurred over the last few days and a couple weeks ago near the Winfield Road area.

Sheriff Tommy Allen told Channel 9 he has talked to wildlife officials who said there is not much authorities can do.

Allen sent Channel 9 a photo of the bear that was taken by a resident.

The bear was also spotted poking around in daylight outside someone's house eating from the bird feeder.

The wildlife expert said the bears will be drawn to things like bird feeders.

"They're pretty bad about bird feeders, so if you know you might want to take the bird feeder up for a little while," said J. D. Bricken, with the Federal Wildlife Preserve.

Officials are urging the public to not approach the bear.  They said mother bears can be dangerous if approached.

Officials said the bear is likely passing through the area and will eventually move on.

Wildlife officials said the bears' habitat has been expanding into Anson County and will likely to increase in years to come.

Channel 9 talked with several neighbors who said they are aware and being extra cautious until the bear moves on.

"They don't really stay in an area long, they just kind of wander," Bricken said.

Anyone who has seen the bear is urged to call Federal Wildlife office in Ansonville at 704-694-4424 or NC State Biologist Ruppert Medford at 910-571-9747.

WSOC