Your neighbor might have a new furry friend, y'all.
### Hold On To Your Squirrels, Durham
Well, bless your heart, Durham. I'm telling you, it’s not every day you see something like this pop up on the local news feed, but a black bear was just caught on camera, just ambling around a Durham neighborhood near Sandy Creek Park and Highway 501. Now, we're used to seeing deer out towards Umstead State Park, or maybe a coyote near the Neuse River Greenway if you're out real early. But a bear? That's a whole different kind of neighbor, isn't it? This isn't some deep woods sighting; this is somebody's backyard, probably just a stone's throw from a perfectly good brunch spot, I'm sure.
Look, this is just another one of those reminders that as much as we build and expand, as much as the tech companies keep spreading out across the Research Triangle Park corridor, we are still very much in nature's backyard. These animals don't care about our property lines or if you're trying to get a reservation at Angus Barn. They're just doing their thing. And with our beautiful spring arriving early and strong, bringing out all sorts of creatures, we just have to be extra mindful.
* **Be Aware of Your Surroundings:** If you're out walking your dog near Sandy Creek Park, or really anywhere near the greenways that weave through our cities, keep an eye out. * **Secure Your Trash:** Bears are opportunistic, and a full trash can in your driveway is basically an open invitation to a buffet. * **Don't Approach Wildlife:** I know it sounds obvious, but a bear, especially one that's a little disoriented in a residential area, is not looking to make friends.
This isn't an everyday occurrence in Raleigh or Durham, but it does show you that even with all our growth and development, the wild is still pretty close. It's a charming, if slightly alarming, reminder of that delicate balance we strike here. That's the Triangle, y'all — come for the tech, stay for the sweet tea, and maybe catch a glimpse of a bear, bless its heart.
That's the Triangle, y'all — come for the tech, stay for the sweet tea.
Y'all need to hear Keith and the crew break this down every morning, they're live at mornings.live.