Bear spotted in Lattimore

By Gideon Simmons | Special to The Shelby Independent

A bear is seen crossing Westlee Street in Lattimore on May 8, 2026. | Courtesy photo still frame from video. Town of Lattimore Facebook page. Photo credit: Rachael Metcalf.

Lattimore — Who would have ever thought that the most viewed post on the Town of Lattimore’s Facebook page would have been about a bear wandering through the Town?

Over a week ago, the mayor was sent a picture and a video by two residents that showed a bear within the town limits of Lattimore. The picture showed him heading toward Martin Street, and the video showed him crossing Westlee Street.

A number of people expressed surprise in response to the social media post. Area resident Mike Greene lives on Peachtree Road and is known as the neighborhood's wildlife “expert.” He pulled a black snake from an elderly resident’s commode and has also relocated possums and other animals. When asked if bear sightings were common in the area, he was quick to say he had heard of occasional reports through the last several years.

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What should you do if you see a black bear in Lattimore, or anywhere else, for that matter? According to bearwise.org, do not corner the animal, and keep a safe distance.

Make loud noises such as shouting or banging pots and pans together to scare away the bear. Once the bear has departed, remove items such as garbage, bird seed, and food that attract them.

It doesn’t take much to create a little excitement in a small town in Cleveland County these days. A little wildlife and a couple of cell phones can produce some breaking news. Stay tuned for the next big event in Lattimore.

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Gideon Simmons is a freelance contributor to The Shelby Independent.

The Shelby Independent.