Mentor Police Confirms Bear Sighting

The Mentor Police Department has confirmed the sighting of a large black bear in the city.

The bear was spotted near America's Best Value Hotel on Rt. 306, near Interstate 90, Lt. Tim Allen said.

The department was alerted by Willoughby Police this afternoon that the bear was heading eastbound on Rt. 84 near the Mentor border, Allen said. It is believe that the bear then made its way to the area of the sound barrier along 90, but an officer lost sight of it as it went into the heavy brush near the barrier.

"We're not sure it's even still there," Allen said.

Allen said his main concern are for residents' small children and pets.

"Leave it alone, essentially," he said. "It'll move on its own."

He said the state department of Natural Resources is aware of situation.

"We're advised to leave it alone and try to use caution," he said. "A bear is kind of like a giant raccoon — it's looking for food and not looking to attack anybody, but if it's concerned or startled, it will."

The bear was first seen inside a Willoughby auto shop last night, according to our partners at WEWS. The bear has also been spotted near a Willoughby BP and near Worden Road in Wickliffe in the last few days.