Black Bear Seen Roaming Streets of Downtown Macon

A black bear was caught on security camera at the downtown Macon Fickling and Co. building around 2:00 a.m. Thursday.

D.N.R. Wildlife Biologist Greg Balkcom says, he’s heard of bears coming into cities before. Balkcom judges from the time of year, it is likely a young male looking for food, and trying to establish its own territory.

“When they do come into town, usually they’re lost or disoriented. The one thing they can always follow is their nose, looking for food,” he says.

The bear walked right up to the front doors of the building on the corner of  and Mulberry Street. Security cameras show the bear walk to the door, coming from Second Street, sniff around the door, then leave toward Third Street.

Fickling and Co. Director of Commercial Property Management, Donnie Laurens says, a security officer saw the bear walk up to the door, and thought it was a dog. The officer got up to scare the dog away, but then realized it was actually a 100-150 pound black bear.

Balkcom says, black bears typically are scared of people, so when they see a human, they will usually run away. However, he says if you ever come close to a bear, you need to make noise to let the bear know you are there.

“Just back away. Don’t try to charge him, don’t be aggressive, don’t do anything silly. Just let him know you’re there, and keep going your way and keep a distance from them,” Balkcom says.

Balkcom said the bear most likely made its way back to the river bed, where it can live peacefully away from people.