American Black Bears (Ursus americanus) are native wildlife present in Virginia Beach. While the city is known for its urbanized oceanfront, the southern half contains extensive natural habitat supporting a healthy bear population. This habitat provides the necessary cover and food sources, leading to regular sightings as bears occasionally venture into developed neighborhoods. Their presence is a direct result of Virginia’s successful conservation efforts.
Black Bear Presence in the Coastal Environment
The American Black Bear is the only species residing in Virginia. These highly adaptable omnivores thrive in the unique coastal plain ecosystems, including dense woods, vast marshlands, and swampy areas that offer both ample food and protective cover. The black bear population is robust, and these animals are typically shy, preferring to avoid human interaction. They use green spaces and riparian corridors along the coast to move between larger, protected tracts of land.
Specific Areas of Virginia Beach Sightings
Bear sightings are concentrated in the southern and western portions of the city, which border large, preserved natural areas. Primary bear habitat is found within and around protected lands such as the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the adjacent False Cape State Park. These areas are vast stretches of undeveloped coastal marsh and forest that serve as a secure home base for the population. Bears frequently travel through the rural Pungo farming community, which acts as a corridor between the refuge system and other forested patches. Sightings also occur in neighborhoods like West Neck, Indian River Road, and along Holland Road, often driven by young male bears dispersing or any bear seeking readily available food sources.
Understanding Bear Attractants
Bears are opportunistic foragers, and they venture into residential zones seeking an easy, calorie-rich meal. Bears have an exceptional sense of smell, drawing them out of their natural habitat and into yards. A bear that successfully finds food near people quickly loses its natural wariness, making it more likely to return. Common attractants include:
- Unsecured household garbage, especially when trash cans are left out overnight.
- Outdoor pet food left on porches or in garages, which is a concentrated, high-protein food source.
- Bird feeders, particularly those containing sunflower seeds or suet, which are irresistible during spring and fall.
- Grease and residue left on outdoor grills or smokers.
Safe Coexistence and Prevention
Minimizing human-bear conflict depends on eliminating food rewards to prevent bears from associating residential areas with easy meals. Residents must secure all garbage in bear-resistant containers or store trash inside a locked shed or garage until the morning of collection. It is recommended to remove bird feeders from April through November, the period of peak bear activity, and ensure outdoor pet food is brought inside after use. If a bear is seen in your yard, make noise, such as yelling or clapping, to haze the animal and encourage it to leave, ensuring it has a clear escape route. If an encounter occurs at close range, remain calm, speak softly while backing away slowly, and never run, as this may trigger a predatory response.