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NATCHEZ — Since early this morning, Natchez Police and Adams County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Karren Holland Ewing and officers with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks have been tracking a bear seen on John R. Junkin Drive near the area of Farm Bureau Insurance.

Ewing reported on social media Monday at about 3:15 p.m. that the bear had not been caught and seemed to be resting in a small wooded area.

“At the moment, he seems to be resting in a small wooded area. He has been traumatized by all the chasing and the blue lights,” Ewing said.

Officials with Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks have asked law enforcement to back off for the time being, Ewing said, and let the bear rest.

“I have been out with Animal Control and Wildlife and Fisheries. Wildlife and Fisheries would like the public to be aware. If you leave him alone, he’ll find his way out to the woods or back to the river,” she said. “Stay away from him. If you spot him, call Wildlife and Fisheries and they will try to monitor his movements.”

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is 601-432-2400. After hours, please call and report sightings of the bear to 9-1-1.

“No, you cannot dart him. No, you cannot shoot him. Just leave him alone,” Ewing said. “It just happens that he was spotted. He is big and beautiful, but is still a youngster.”