A black bear is running wild in Baltimore and Howard counties.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources began receiving reports a few weeks ago about a bear that was first spotted in the Pikesville and Randallstown areas, a spokesperson said.

It appears to be a 1.5-year-old bear that is likely dispersing, meaning it is leaving where it was born in search of a new area to live out the remainder of its life, according to the DNR.

“This is not uncommon this time of year,” DNR spokesperson Gregg Bortz said.

Columbia resident Annie Weinschenk spotted a bear running across a busy intersection at Dobbin Road and Snowden River Parkway.

“He was very sweet,” Weinschenk told The Baltimore Sun. “He didn’t startle me, but I was concerned he would be hit or something. It was quite strange to see a black bear in such a populated area.”

The Maryland DNR advises remaining calm and making your presence known when encountering a bear. The department says not to run or approach the bear, and speak in a firm voice while backing away slowly.

Also, make sure the bear has an escape route and avoid direct eye contact. If the bear becomes a nuisance, the DNR recommends making noise and using bear spray if needed.

Bear sightings should be reported to the DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service office.

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.