EAST RIDGE, Tenn. — Police are urging residents in East Ridge to keep their distance after a bear was spotted roaming through neighborhoods Thursday.

The East Ridge Police Department says they received several calls about a bear sighting.

Image via ERPD

Officers located “the juvenile black bear” in the Bennett and Seminole area and watched it for any signs of distress.

According to police, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency “will not respond unless the animal is aggressive or in a dangerous situation.”

Image via ERPD

Police say bear sightings “have seemingly been on the rise in the region,” and reminded the public to treat bears as wild animals and not to approach, try to capture or harass them.

(WTVC NewsChannel 9)