Officials say a bear spotted in a wooded area near several Mississippi businesses should be left alone and allowed find his way back to less populated areas along the Mississippi River.

Officials with the Natchez Police Department, Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks tracked a bear Monday along John R. Junkin Drive in Natchez.

ACSO deputy Karen Ewing reported on social media Monday at about 3:15 p.m. that the bear had not been caught and seemed to be resting in a small nearby wooded area.

“At the moment, he seems to be resting in a small wooded area. He has been traumatized by all the chasing and the blue lights,” Ewing said.

Ewing said officials with Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks have asked law enforcement to back off for the time being and let the bear rest.

“I have been out with Animal Control and Wildlife and Fisheries. Wildlife and Fisheries would like the public to be aware. If you leave him alone, he’ll find his way out to the woods or back to the river,” she said. “Stay away from him. If you spot him, call Wildlife and Fisheries and they will try to monitor his movements.”

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is 601-432-2400. After hours, please call and report sightings of the bear to 9-1-1.

“No, you cannot dart him. No, you cannot shoot him. Just leave him alone,” Ewing said. “It just happens that he was spotted. He is big and beautiful, but is still a youngster.”