Black bear spotted in southeast portion of Cuyahoga County Monday night

BEDFORD, Oh. - A black bear has been spotted in the southeastern portion of Cuyahoga County Monday night.

The Bedford Heights Police Department said they had officers investigating a possible black bear sighting in the area of Columbus Road between Perkins Road and Kimberly Drive around 7:45 p.m. Police said the bear moved into a wooded area and they decided to leave it alone. However, officers are keeping tabs on it's whereabouts to ensure the public's safety.

Earlier, the Bedford Police Department said a black bear was last seen by a motorist in the area of Northfield and Solon Roads around 6 p.m. Officers said the bear was spotted earlier in the day near the cities of Oakwood and Walton Hills and appeared to be traveling north. It is unknown at this time whether or not it is the same black bear.

Police are asking any residents who spot the bear to leave it alone, do not make an attempt to approach it and contact authorities immediately.

ODNR has been notified of the situation.