Black bear population across the state is on the rise and officials are urging residents to be aware.

Our Foothills Bureau is reporting that the bear population for the state is around 10,000 and that from time to time bears will get an appetite for more than what’s available in the forest.

Our sister station says residents who live in wooded areas are encouraged to take precautions with their pets, livestock, and garbage cans as these sometime attract bears.

High Country Radio was able to contact Grandfather Mountain’s public relations director, Landis Wofford, about the issue.

Wofford said there was a surge of bear sightings in the summer, but sightings have become less frequent over the past few months.  She said the trails manager at the mountain said signs of bear activity have been seen in the park and backcountry, but this is completely normal.  No actual bear sightings have been recently reported at Grandfather Mountain.