Bears have been spotted in the area recently. A photo taken by Lakin Branham was shared on social media the evening of May 8 showing a bear on the bridge into Auxier.  Another young bear was spotted in Coal Run in Pike County by Tabitha LaDawn Hall, on May 7. The bear was killed after running in front of a vehicle and being hit, which Hall later posted photos to social media of the dead bear.  The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends that when encountering bears to keep your distance and alter traveling routes if on foot to avoid bears. Additionally, if you are in a situation where you can’t move around a bear, they recommend making noise and waving your arms in the air until the bear leaves, as running may trigger a bear’s natural instinct to chase. If you are attacked by a bear, it is recommended you fight back aggressively and not play dead.