Bear sighted at Super One Foods

By TOM STANKARD

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Ironwood - A black bear was spotted at Super One Foods in Ironwood Thursday.

Gary Jackson, of Ironwood, said he saw the bear sleeping under a semi truck around 12:30 p.m.

The local resident said someone told him a bear was spotted sleeping in the Dumpster earlier, so he said he went out back and he saw the bear sleeping again.

When it awoke underneath the semi truck, Jackson said the bear was startled and then proceeded to jump the guard rail and run into the woods.

"It was frightened because there were people around," he said. "It wasn't attacking."

Geoff Wallin, store manager, said the bear has been making "rounds" the past couple days at other local businesses.

Over in Hurley, a small black bear was sighted on Tuesday around 3:30 a.m. at Krist Oil station at the corner of U.S. 51 and Silver Street, munching on corn after it had ripped bags apart.

In response, a Hurley Police Department spokesperson said the Department of Natural Resources had laid out traps to try to catch the bear, which was seen Wednesday afternoon running down Hurley's lower block.

According to the Gogebic County Sheriff's Department, there have been many bear issues in the past. In response, the GCSD said it tries to get them away from the general public, then contacts the DNR.

If people see a bear in town, Jim Finley, Gogebic County Conservation District Administrator, said to not approach the animal because it is feeding and might attack. Instead, he recommends calling the DNR.

Bears fatten up when the weather turns cold in anticipation of hibernating.