RAMSEY COUNTY, Minn. — The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office received multiple calls of a bear sighting, and advised parents to pay close attention with school being back in session.
The bear was reported in northern parts of the county including Vadnais Heights, North Oaks, White Bear Township, and Polar Park coming out of Tamarack Nature Center, according to authorities.
Greta Schilling in North Oaks is keeping a close eye on her pets after spotting a bear outside her home.
"We let the dogs in 3 minutes before we saw the bear," said Schilling.
Shellie Reiner came home to a mess and her parrot Harley was outside his cage.
"Food all over the place. I thought some raccoon, once we saw the bird feeder down we decided it was something stronger," said Reiner.
The Sheriff's Office advises residents to remain alert, stay away from bears and call 911.
They also encouraged parents and guardians to pay close attention if they encounter a bear.
The following are bear encounter safety tips from police:
-Pick up small children and pets.
-Face the bear directly and try to appear as large as possible.
-Spread or wave your arms, ideally holding a sweater or coat.
-Slowly back away and to the side. Bears consider sideways movements non-threatening.
-Talk to the bear in calm, low and monotone voice.
-Once indoors call 911 and report the bear's direction of travel.
