SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — There has been another bear sighting in Hampton Roads, and this time, it came close to being deadly.
It happened on Route 58 in Suffolk, one of the area’s busiest, and deadliest, highways. It’s just another reason to be more alert and to drive slower on this stretch of road.
Dashcam video caught the moment along Route 58 when a bear cub came out from the woods, with no warning or hesitation, and ran across all three lanes of heavy traffic.
“The section of 58 is a hotspot because it is a section of highway right through the middle of a large block of unbroken timber, most of which is comprised of the Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge,” said Pete Acker with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Friday. “And then, there’s some private property too. But it’s a great piece of bear habitat that gets a divided highway right through it.”
Lately, there have been bear sightings in backyards and at schools, but this is the first time a bear has had a close call with a vehicle. Acker said now is a busy time for bears.
“Bears are coming out of their dens, searching for food,” Acker said. “We have — family units are breaking up, the year-and-a-half male cubs are getting kicked out of the nest by mom. So, they’re wandering around, not very bright.”
That explains the ‘why now?’ question, but he also said Virginia’s bear population has been steadily growing since the 1950s. There’s always been a small grouping near the Great Dismal Swamp. And as that group grows, they expand into other areas of Hampton Roads. Drivers, he said, need to be aware.
“Especially dawn and dusk and nighttime,” Acker said. “You don’t see much bear activity in the middle of the day. But yes, always keep your eyes open.”
Acker said bear sightings should taper off once it warms up — usually by mid-June. You can always call the DWR’s non-emergency line if you spot a bear or any other animal in distress, or if you have any questions, at 855-571-9003.