Bear In Monroe Startling

Morning Walk Interrupted by Unexpected Guest

In an unexpected encounter on Tuesday morning, July 16, 2024, around 5:30 AM, a local resident found herself face-to-face with a surprising visitor during her routine walk around the Brookshire's parking lot.

Initially mistaking the large figure for a dog at a distance of three parking spaces from her car, she soon realized with alarm that it was a sizable black bear. Acting swiftly but cautiously, she began to slowly retreat while maintaining a vigilant eye on the bear, which kept a menacing stare fixed upon her.

Mindful not to provoke the animal, she carefully backed away to a safe distance before turning to seek help. With her house and car keys inside the vehicle, she managed to compose herself enough to contact a neighbor residing in the Passman complex for assistance. The neighbor promptly met her, and she recounted the frightening ordeal. Choosing not to return alone, she reached out to her son-in-law to retrieve her car. By the time he arrived, the sun had risen, and the bear had disappeared.

Reflecting on the incident, she attributed her safety to grace. Though she did not capture a photograph in the moment due to shock and fear, she provided a description of the bear's appearance to authorities.