NATCHEZ — A young black bear was spotted wandering in downtown Natchez near Myrtle Avenue Sunday afternoon.

Police Chief Daniel White said residents spotted the bear on Myrtle Avenue, on New Street, and the bear was last seen near the Natchez City Cemetery.

White cautioned residents to exercise caution and keep their distance from the bear if it is spotted again.

Anyone who spots the bear should contact NPD at 601-445-5565.

Retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wildlife biologist Bob Strader said bears have recently emerged from hibernation, and the bear is likely looking for natural habitat to establish a home range.

“Someplace along the line it took a wrong turn and ended up in Natchez where it was likely running away from one encounter with people to another,” he said.

Strader said the residents should know the bear “is a wild animal that is scared of people.”

“Do not try to confine it,” he said. “Do not feed it. It should find its way to natural habitat as soon as it can. Perhaps the worse thing for the bear is to become comfortable around people.”

Strader said that garbage cans and pet food should be secured.

“Food should not be left out for feral cats, an all too common practice in Natchez,” he said. “Encouraging this bear to become comfortable around people or dependent on handouts will result in nothing good for people or the bear.”