'Bedford bear' stops by fire station in Bedford Heights; Solon police report bear sightings

BEDFORD HEIGHTS, Ohio - The so-called "Bedford bear" paid an early visit Wednesday morning at the Bedford Heights Fire Department.

Police Chief Michael Marotta said the about this new sighting call came in just after 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.

"He came to the front area by the doors of the fire department," said Assistant police Chief David Leonardi. "He went around the building then headed eastbound towards the cemetery."

The 150-pound black bear ended up going south towards the Tinker's Creek area.

"(That's) where we would like him to stay," said Marotta.

Bedford Heights police called off their search before noon. They plan to work with the ODNR and try to trap the bear, if it stays in the area, where it’s been for the past three nights. But officials have been unable to pin point where.

"If he does return the division of wildlife will attempt to trap him in the area where he's bedding down for the night," said Marotta. At that point, police hope he can be removed.

Some neighbors near the corner of Cannon Road and Brainard Road in Solon said they spotted the bear. One neighbor took video of the incident.

Just before 10 p.m., Solon police said they have received several calls about bear sightings. At about 7 p.m., the bear was spotted on Brainard Road, heading north to 422, police said.

The most recent caller about the black bear reported t was going west toward the Interstate 480/271 split, Solon police said. They said the bear appears to be circling back to Bedford Heights.

 Jim Brightup isn't taking any chances when it comes to sightings. He said he will keep his 2-year-old dog, Murphy, in yard until the issue is resolved.  

"Until the bear is caught or transported someplace else," Brightup said from his porch. "I don't intend to put him out again."