‘Bear on the beach’: North Strand residents react to rare wildlife spotting

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Officers found an approximately 130-pound bear cub roaming downtown North Myrtle Beach.

Police responded to a black bear sighting near the Baywatch Resort around 10 p.m. Wednesday, prompting officials to issue a public safety notice for the area.

Residents captured the animal on camera before sharing the news on Facebook and at nearby Molly Darcy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant.

“Then somebody ran in from the front of the bar, and they were like, ‘There’s a bear outside, we just saw it.’ It was literally just walking down the street like chilling, and I was really mad because I missed it,” said Bailey Watkins, bartender.

North Myrtle Beach Police said the bear was safely directed westbound and entered a wooded area near 9th Avenue South and Strand Avenue.

Those who live here say they have never seen this type of wildlife in the area.

“I’ve lived here for five years and I’ve seen foxes and other animals like that, but I’ve never seen a bear,” said Sunny Vitello, resident.

“Well, I know to stay away from them, especially if they have cubs, and if I happen to encounter one, I will probably go in the opposite direction, I’ll take a longer route home,” said Denise Ruth, part-time resident.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources advised that the bear is likely to make its way back to its natural habitat and warned there may be additional sightings over the next couple of days.

If you see a bear, leave it alone and do not try to approach it or feed it.

Officials also recommend securing trash cans and removing any food from outside.

Officers are continuing to monitor the area.

If you spot a bear, call the police or SCDNR so professionals can help safely guide the animal away.

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