Bear seen on Randolph-Macon campus

A "medium-sized black bear" has been seen in the vicinity of the Randolph-Macon College campus in Ashland, Campus Safety Assistant Director Maurice J. Kiely told the campus community today.

"APD [Ashland Police Department], Hanover Sheriff's Department and Hanover Animal Control are in the area and are actively searching for the animal in order to attempt to re-locate it," he wrote in an e-mail to students, faculty and staff.

It was last seen behind the Copley Science Center, he said.

"There is no need for panic or fear, however if you see the bear you should not approach it or attempt to feed it. Please dial 911 to report the location ASAP," he wrote.

He said the safety office will keep the community updated.

Anne Marie Lauranzon, R-MC director of marketing and communications, said she was in a car when she saw the bear today along Archie Cannon Drive near campus. The bear appeared to be headed north along U.S. 1, she said.

Last night, Ashland police asked residents to stay inside because a bear had been seen in the area. They were summoned at 7:13 p.m. after a bear was spotted in a residential section of downtown near the railroad tracks.