Black bear spotted.

A Michigan black bear.
– DNR photo

CRYSTAL TOWNSHIP — The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office was called to 128th Avenue, where a black bear was seen in the backyard of a residence Saturday morning, April 30.

Deputies checked the area, but the bear had left, said Lt. Craig Mast. No damage was done by the animal nor was anyone hurt.

The resident called police after observing the bear in her yard at 1:24 a.m., because she was concerned about her horses and other livestock, Mast said.

Mast suggests keeping bird feeders away from homes to prevent bear encounters, especially in the Crystal Township area. Residents are also cautioned to stay away from bears. “Leave them alone,” Mast said. “They are wild animals.”

Black bears are more active in the springtime, he said. Related DNR info here