Officials are warning Montgomery County residents about multiple reported sightings of a black bear in the Damascus area.
Montgomery County police say the bear sightings have come in and around areas of Oak Ridge Park.
Police say it is not uncommon to encounter bears in suburban areas at this time of year as young bears begin to find their territory.
It is recommended that residents not approach or feed any bears they see.
To report a bear sighting, contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.
For more information about black bears in Maryland:
news.maryland.gov/dnr/2013/06/19/suburban-bear-sightings-more-common-in-summer