Black Bear Was Spotted in Vicksburg, MS, on 4th of July

Brody Cook spotted the bear Thursday morning climbing a tree in front of a home near Culkin Academy off Highway 61. The school is permanently closed.

In a Facebook message, Cook posted, "AWARENESS!!! Culkin and Mt Albam area!!! We have a visitor in the area this morning was last seen approx 15 mins ago behind old Culkin school!!! Keep an eye out for your pets and children in the area!!! He or she was not a happy camper!!!!"

The sighting comes as the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is working with Mississippi State University to conduct a statewide public survey to gain a better understanding of the perceptions surrounding black bears in the state.

The wildlife department said this is the first public survey in the state that addresses bears since the early 2000s.

Click here to read about the Black Bear Program.