News Summary
A small black bear was spotted in Myrtle Beach early Sunday morning, prompting local authorities to respond to ensure the safety of the bear and the community. The bear was initially seen near 9th Avenue South and Ocean Boulevard before moving to a tree near 8th Avenue South and Oak Street. The Myrtle Beach Police Department established a perimeter and is working with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to safely relocate the bear. Residents and visitors are advised to maintain a safe distance and report any sightings.
Myrtle Beach – A small black bear was spotted within the city limits of Myrtle Beach early Sunday morning on June 15, 2025, causing local authorities to respond promptly to ensure the safety of both the community and the bear. The Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) received the first call regarding the bear around 5:54 a.m., specifically locating the animal near 9th Avenue South and Ocean Boulevard.
Following the initial sighting, a second call notified officers that the bear had moved to a nearby tree close to 8th Avenue South and Oak Street. In response, MBPD established a perimeter around the area to prevent any potential confrontations and to keep the public at a safe distance while the situation was being managed.
To facilitate the safe relocation of the bear, MBPD’s Animal Control is working closely with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Authorities have advised the public to avoid approaching the bear and to maintain a safe distance, allowing officers the necessary space to handle the situation effectively.
Ongoing Situation
This incident is developing, with authorities working diligently to safely relocate the bear back to its natural habitat. MBPD has promised to provide updates to the community as more information becomes available.
Background Context
Bears, specifically black bears, are occasionally seen in urban areas as they roam in search of food or suitable habitats. Myrtle Beach, known for its tourism and coastal environment, is not typically known for frequent bear sightings, making this event relatively unusual. Local wildlife officials highlight that during the warmer months, wildlife may wander into human-populated areas searching for food, especially as natural sources become scarce.
It is essential for residents and visitors to remain vigilant and informed about potential wildlife encounters. Black bears may react unpredictably when they feel threatened or cornered, underscoring the importance of keeping a safe distance. Residents are encouraged to report any sightings to local authorities rather than attempting to interact with or relocate the animal independently.
In conclusion, the sighting of the black bear in Myrtle Beach serves as a reminder of the coexistence between urban development and wildlife. Authorities are taking all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and effective resolution to this event.
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Additional Resources
- WBTW News
- Wikipedia: Black Bear
- WRDW News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach black bear sighting
- WMBF News
- Google Scholar: Black Bear Sightings
- My Horry News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Black Bear
- WPDE News
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Black Bear
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
