Ithaca College

At about 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, a black bear was seen on Route 96B near the South Hill fire station, adjacent to the Ithaca College campus. The bear traveled across the campus, through the parking lot nearest the Terrace residence halls and upper athletic fields (L-lot), and entered the woods south of the College near Terrace 12 and Ford Observatory.

Although Tompkins County is not heavily populated by black bears, it is not unusual for them to be spotted in different areas of the county during migration. Black bears are large and powerful animals, but are not normally aggressive towards humans. The Office of Public Safety reminds community members to never approach or attempt to confront wildlife. Do not try to startle, alarm, or harass any wildlife seen on the campus.

In the event a bear is again spotted on the campus, community members are asked to call the Office of Public Safety for assistance at 274-3333 (4-3333) or by using a blue light emergency phone.

Contributed by Norman Wall