A single black bear was sighted Thursday night and Friday morning in the Lancaster Drive area of Austintown.

Austintown police are reminding township residents that bears are wild animals, to stay clear of them, and to watch leaving their pets outside and young children unattended at this time.

It is also important to pick up any food supply that bears may eat, including bird feeders or pet food.

The National Park Service says bear attacks on people are rare, and it's best to avoid close encounters.