Athens Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division issued a statement regarding bear spotted on Wednesday.

"Lots of chatter about a bear in Athens today! The occasion of seeing a bear is nothing to be alarmed about; bears can be seen anywhere in Alabama, and are a natural part of our diverse wildlife community. Around Limestone County, summertime is the most likely time to see a bear. If you see a bear...

Bear do's and don’ts:
Do make noise and make sure the bear sees you.
Do ensure the bear has a clear escape route away from you.
Do clap and holler to spook the bear away.
Do log your sighting into our database: https://game.dcnr.alabama.gov/BlackBear

Don't approach a bear.
Don't feed a bear! Make sure pet food/feeders/trash isn't left out so that a bear isn't rewarded for sticking around.
Don't run from a bear. Raise your arms and shout so it'll GIT!
Don't get between a bear and a dog.
Don't shoot a bear - a bear that is behaving normally is no threat to you. It is illegal to shoot a bear, and a good holler should do the trick if you want it to move along.

Black bears in Alabama forage primarily on vegetation and often move through residential areas as they wander. You live in a state that has bears - sometimes even in unexpected places!"

Photo from Amy Goins Thomas.
DO NOT APPROACH A BEAR FOR PHOTOS!