ELLERBE — An investigation is afoot in the northern part of the county.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the intersection of Pressley Rankin Highway and U.S. 220 business in Ellerbe after “some type of remains” were found.
When deputies and investigators responded, they reportedly found “what appeared to be some type of feet.”
The sheriff’s office says investigators were advised by the medical examiner’s office that the feet are “consistent with that of a bear.”
While black bears aren’t common in this region of the state, there have been several seen and killed in or near Richmond County.
In late 2014, Berry Patch co-owner Lee Berry hit and killed a bear near Drowning Creek at the border of Richmond and Moore counties. Another young bear was fatally struck on Long Drive in Rockingham in 2022.
According to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, the hunting season for bears in Richmond County is Oct. 12-Jan. 1.
The sheriff’s office says the investigation is ongoing.
