WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Baldwin St. and 42nd Ave. on several reports that came into the Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority of a bear sighting on the morning of April 17.

Several residents in the Schoolside Dr. residential neighborhood and the Hidden Lake Dr. residential neighborhood reported they observed a bear roaming the neighborhoods. The Sheriff’s Office obtained digital evidence from residents in those neighborhoods confirming a bear on their properties between 6:30 and 7:10 a.m. on Friday, April 17.

The Sheriff’s Office searched the area and did not locate the bear after receiving the reported sightings. The information was forwarded to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Out of an abundance of caution, the Sheriff’s Office also contacted the Hudsonville Public School Systems (HPS) as they have several school buildings in the general area of the bear sighting. As a result, HPS kept students inside the buildings as normal school operations continued.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public that generally bears are not aggressive, but they can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or are protecting food sources or cubs. At this time, there have been no reports of injuries or aggressive behavior. However, the public is urged to remain alert and take appropriate safety measures. Residents are encouraged to avoid approaching the animal. If a bear is observed behaving aggressively or posing an immediate threat, individuals should contact 911.