Although professional golfer Jack “The Golden Bear” Nicklaus did not make an appearance at Kinderlou Golf Course, residents did spot an American black bear at approximately 5 p.m. Monday.

Luckily for residents, the black bear was simply on the prowl for the bare necessities of life and little else. When homeowners made the discovery, the bear quickly scurried back into the woods before Department of Natural Resources (DNR) representatives could investigate.

The Kinderlou Golf Course sighting is the third black bear reported in Lowndes County in the last week. Over the weekend, two black bears were spotted through the Grove Point Subdivision area, on Highway 41 North.

No injuries from bear attacks have been reported.

County Clerk Paige Dukes said bears are common in Lowndes County, but there is usually only one report each year.

 A local wildlife biologist claims that, during this time of year, bears are on the move, according to a press release sent out by Dukes before the Kinderlou sighting. Recent drought and wildfires in the region have also impacted food sources for the large mammals, which can result in bears entering residential areas to forage.

As Dukes explained, black bears are normally frightened by loud noises, such as doors slamming and yelling loudly. She also advised residents to secure household trash, waste disposal containers and pet food.

“Locally, I think the biggest issue our community may have is all the pet food that gets left out overnight,” said Dukes. “Feeding bears alters their habitat and unfortunately can result in bears being euthanized. Citizens are strongly advised to leave bears alone. In most cases, they will leave the area on their own.”

If a bear is spotted, citizens are encouraged to call 911.