Rare Black Bear Sighting in Whiteville Tree Captures Local Attention
A Whiteville business owner described a rare encounter with a large black bear that spent several hours in a tree near her mother's home off Whitehall Road, allowing her to photograph the animal from her car.
Wilmington, NC, November 4, 2026 — A business owner in Whiteville recently documented a seldom-seen event: a large black bear resting in a tree for several hours. The sighting occurred near her mother’s residence, located off Whitehall Road. The resident was able to observe and photograph the animal from the safety of her car.
The encounter, described as rare, involved a black bear that made its temporary home in a tree. The animal remained in the tree for a significant period, giving the business owner an opportunity to capture images of the bear. The location of the sighting was specified as being near Whitehall Road in Whiteville.
Details regarding the specific identity of the business owner, the name of her business, or the exact date and time of the bear sighting were not immediately available. Information about the bear’s behavior, its eventual departure from the tree, or the wildlife response to the situation was also not provided in the initial account.
Black bears are native to North Carolina, but encounters with them, particularly in residential areas and during daylight hours, are not common. Wildlife officials often advise residents to keep a safe distance from bears and to secure potential food sources to discourage them from frequenting developed areas. The business owner’s ability to photograph the bear from her vehicle suggests a degree of caution was maintained during the observation.
Further details concerning the bear’s condition or the context of its presence in the tree were not disclosed. This rare event highlights the presence of wildlife even in areas that may seem more developed.
Story summarized from the original created by WWAY News on www.wwaytv3.com, see more information here.
