Black bears have reportedly been roaming around Bulloch County over the past few weeks. Bulloch County Public Safety Director Ted Wynn confirmed Saturday night several black bear sightings in the area.

He said Bulloch County Humane Enforcement Supervisor Joey Sanders investigated several reports of black bears being seen along Interstate 16 a couple weeks ago. Sanders was not immediately available for comment Saturday evening.

Several people posted on Facebook Saturday, claiming to have seen a black bear in the Statesboro area in more than one location. Jonathan McCollar posted this warning on Facebook after seeing a black bear around 8:15 p.m. Saturday near his home.”If you live out Lakeview Road please be careful. We just spotted a large bear out that way behind Oakfield.”

His post sparked several more comments from people, one of whom said he heard reports of a black bear seen near Mill Creek Regional Park just before the fireworks display July 4.

Wynn said he believes the reports are credible. “I believe they are here,” he said. “There’s too much evidence.”

In late June, Sanders found where a fence had been torn down near the interstate, along with two sets of tracks, Wynn said. He said the tracks appeared to be of a mother and cub.

Other unconfirmed reports from Facebook users that a black bear was seen on Northside Drive East near Beasley Road have not been substantiated. However, the area is close to Mill Creek park and Lakeview Road.

Anyone spotting a bear should report the sighting to Bulloch County Public Safety at (912) 489-1661.