MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Police and wildlife officials responded early Sunday to reports of a small black bear seen in the heart of Myrtle Beach.
Officers with the Myrtle Beach Police Department were first called around 5:54 a.m. to 9th Avenue South and Ocean Boulevard after receiving a report of an adolescent black bear running through the area. A second call shortly after led officers to locate the bear up in a tree near Oak Street and 8th Avenue South.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department’s Animal Control unit is now working with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to safely relocate the bear from the urban area.
“For the safety of our community and the adolescent bear, officers have set up a perimeter around the scene,” the Myrtle Beach Police Department stated. “We are asking the public to keep their distance and let officers have space to work while we try to safely relocate the bear.”
Police have not reported any injuries or threats to the public as the relocation efforts continue.
Authorities have reminded residents and visitors to avoid the area while officers and wildlife experts work to bring the situation under control. The exact method of relocation has not been disclosed, but standard procedures typically involve tranquilizing and transporting the animal to a more suitable habitat.
Encounters with bears in coastal cities like Myrtle Beach are rare but not unprecedented, as bears occasionally wander into populated areas searching for food or after becoming disoriented.
No timeline has been given for when the bear will be removed from the scene. Officials continue to monitor the bear’s condition while ensuring the safety of both the animal and the surrounding community.
