North Carolina Warning: "Brazen" Predator Spotted in Backyards

As urban sprawl continues to encroach on the state's natural corridors, these apex predators are becoming increasingly habituated to suburban life, prompting urgent warnings for residents in Raleigh, Charlotte, and the mountain foothills.

1. The Triangle's "Neighborhood" Bears

In a series of startling encounters throughout 2025, residents in Raleigh and Chapel Hill reported black bears wandering through manicured lawns and lounging on back decks in broad daylight.

• The Sighting: Multiple bears were captured on doorbell cameras in the North Hills and Chapel Hill areas, showing no fear of humans or domestic noises.
• The Denning Season: In late November 2025, the NCWRC issued a specific advisory titled "When a Bear Moves In." As bears prepare for winter hibernation, they are more likely to investigate crawl spaces, porches, and even vacant cabins as potential shelters.

2. The Rare "Backyard" Bobcat

While bobcats are notoriously reclusive, recent sightings in the western Piedmont have left residents and wildlife experts on high alert.

• The Hickory Incident: Earlier this year, a wildlife camera in a neighborhood west of Hickory captured an adult bobcat stalking across a residential walkway just feet from a home's front door.
• The Risk: Unlike typical bobcat behavior—which involves avoiding humans at all costs—this individual was repeatedly spotted, prompting warnings for parents to supervise children and small pets during twilight hours.

3. The "Ghost of Charlotte": The Adaptive Coyote

Coyotes have officially moved into the heart of North Carolina's largest cities. In neighborhoods like Dilworth and South Charlotte, these predators are no longer just passing through—they are moving in.

• The Buffer Zone: Biologists note that Charlotte's "greenways" and creeks serve as ideal highways for coyotes to travel into the city center.
• Bold Encounters: Recent reports describe coyotes "shadowing" residents walking their dogs, often refusing to retreat even when residents shout or wave their arms.

4. How to Protect Your Property

To prevent your yard from becoming a hunting ground or a denning site, North Carolina wildlife experts recommend the following:

• Bear-Proof Your Trash: Wait until the morning of pickup to put out your trash. Use bear-resistant containers and wash them regularly to eliminate food odors.
• Remove Bird Feeders: Bird feeders are one of the primary attractants for bears and coyotes. Seeds attract rodents, which in turn attract bobcats and coyotes.
• Secure the Crawl Space: Ensure that the lattice and vents leading under your home or deck are secure. These are prime real estate for denning bears in the winter.
• Supervise Small Pets: Never leave small dogs or cats unattended in the yard, especially near wooded property lines. Many predators view smaller pets as a primary food source in the winter months.

What to Do If You See One

If you come face-to-face with a bear, coyote, or bobcat, do not run. This can trigger a chase instinct that is impossible to outrun.

Instead, practice "Hazing": make yourself as large as possible, wave your arms, and yell in a deep, aggressive voice. You can also use a "shaker can" (a soda can filled with pebbles) or a loud whistle to startle the animal. The goal is to make the encounter unpleasant for the predator so that it learns to avoid your property in the future.