In Greensboro on Sunday, worshippers at First Presbyterian greeted a black bear as it lumbered by within growling distance of the church.

Bear sightings in Greensboro have become almost commonplace this spring with the arrival last weekend of a particularly curious young bear that became somewhat of a city celebrity.

According to the Greensboro News and Record, the big news this time is that yesterday's bear was not the same bear. It was a larger animal, weighing between 100 and 150 pounds.

Officers last saw the bear north of Wendover Avenue in the Latham Park area around noon.

Monday morning at about 12:30am, Greensboro police received more reports of bear sightings at West Friendly Avenue at North Tremont Street, and in the 1090 block of Pembroke Road.

Police urge people to stay away from the area and they suggest that residents can discourage bears from roaming in the city by:

• Securing bags of trash inside cans stored in a garage, basement or other secure area, and placing the cans outside, as late as possible, on trash pick-up days – not the night before.

• Purchasing bear-proof garbage cans or bear proofing your existing garbage container with a secure latching system.

• Discontinuing the feeding of wild birds during spring and summer, even with feeders advertised as "bear-proof." Bears are still attracted to seed that spills on the ground.

• Avoiding "free feeding" pets outdoors. If you must feed pets outdoors, make sure all food is consumed and empty bowls are removed.

• Cleaning all food and grease from barbecue grills after each use. Bears are attracted to food odors and may investigate.

If you have any questions, please contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at 800-662-7137.