FLAT ROCK, Mich. (WXYZ) — A black bear has been confirmed roaming the Carleton, Rockwood, and Flat Rock area — the furthest southeast the Michigan DNR has ever recorded a bear sighting in the state.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom’s video report:

Two black bear sightings confirmed in southern counties

Residents near Woodruff Road first spotted the animal on a trail camera, with many initially mistaking it for a large cat. The Michigan DNR has since confirmed two black bear sightings in the area since Sunday, along with tracks to match.

Dale Hicks, a Rockwood resident, was among the first to spot the animal.

“I looked, and I said there’s a big cat by the double gate,” Hicks said.

Neighbor Carolann Foerch said she was surprised to learn the animal had passed through her property.

“It was here and apparently walking through our back yard. He says, there’s a bear out there!” Foerch said.

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Foerch, who is originally from northern Michigan, said she welcomed the unusual visitor.

“I love the bear, you betcha,” Foerch said.

Fellow resident Corry Stanley summed up the reaction many neighbors shared.

“Guess it was a real bear,” Stanley said.

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Jan Saintamour, another Rockwood resident, called the sighting “kind of cool. Kind of odd.”

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What the DNR says

Cody Norton, a bear specialist with the Michigan DNR, said the sighting is unprecedented for the region.

“This is the furthest southeast we’ve seen,” Norton said.

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Norton described southeastern Michigan as far more developed than other parts of the state, making the bear’s appearance in the area without any reported sightings along its path especially unusual.

The DNR reports approximately 12,000 bears living across Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. Norton said the lower peninsula bear population has grown significantly in recent years.

“Our bear population in the lower peninsula has grown about 60-percent,” Norton said.

As bear numbers have risen, the animals have begun moving into areas further west and south. Norton said younger male bears in particular tend to wander in search of territory not already claimed by dominant males.

“They are able to survive and make a living in habitats we previously thought wouldn’t be suitable for bears,” Norton said.

Norton said bears would have historically inhabited this area before development pushed them out, and that as populations continue to grow, sightings in unexpected places like southeastern Michigan are likely to increase.

“Their world revolves around food,” Norton said.

What to do if you see the bear

The DNR says residents do not need to be overly concerned.

“I don’t think anyone should be too worried about this individual bear roaming around in this area,” Norton said.

Norton said there has not been a bear-related human fatality in Michigan since 1930. He added that residents do not need to worry about walking pets or letting animals outside.

However, there are steps residents can take to avoid unintentionally attracting the bear to their property:

• Secure garbage cans
• Manage bird feeders
• Do not leave pet food outside

If you do encounter the bear, the DNR advises against running. Instead, make yourself appear large, make noise, and slowly back away to a safe location.

As of now, the bear does not appear to be bothering anyone or displaying aggressive behavior. The DNR says it will continue to leave the bear alone unless it begins acting aggressively or causing property damage.

Hicks, for his part, said he plans to keep an eye out.

“I’m going to look at it and take pictures of it,” Hicks said.

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NOVI — Surprise! Sakura Novi is getting yet another Michigan premiere store with the opening of TESO Life at 42688 Grand River Avenue on May 15.

The 12,000 square-foot store offers thousands of Asian-themed beauty products, collectibles, snacks, beverages and more.

“Hopefully people will like us,” said store manager Jackal Saw. “I’m excited about the whole new culture here and I see a lot of excited customers. I have faith in Michigan.”TESO Life was founded in 2017 and while the company offers mainly Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Taiwanese products that cater to a “global consumer,” it is U.S. based, with headquarters in New York City and stores sprouting up across the east and west coasts, as well as in Texas, Florida and Chicago.Novi is the 27th location for TESO Life, which has a loyal following among Asian populations, but which has fun finds for anyone with an interest in Asian culture, food and fun collectibles.

Among the most popular items are “blind boxes,” in which there are mystery collector items that Saw describes as similar to Popmart, but with different brands, including Care Bears, Lucky Emma, Maltese, Smiski and more.A wide variety of do-it-yourself kits from Rolife line shelves, offering creative challenges.

Snack aisles abound with sweet treats, including freezers full of ice cream specialties seen on TikTok and plenty of refrigerated beverages.

TESO Life in Novi has about 30 employees waiting to greet you and is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

On opening weekend from May 15-17, spend any amount and get a free pin. Guests spending $50 or more will also get a free snack and those spending more than $100 will receive a free gift bag.

More: Novi places tax proposal on ballot, will levy millage for library

Contact reporter Susan Bromley at sbromley@hometownlife.com

Nearly a month after Michigan State University senior and Maryland native Isaiah Kirby was shot and killed by East Lansing police, his family is asking for transparency.

East Lansing police responded to the area of Abbot and Lake Lansing roads on April 15. In a press conference after the shooting, Police Chief Jennifer Brown said that when officers arrived on the scene, they found Kirby, 21, allegedly holding a bloody knife. 

The Owings Mills, Maryland, family alleges that Kirby was not suffering from a mental health crisis when he was approached by police.

Family attorney Teresa Bingman said she viewed an edited police video of the encounter and disputes the department’s report. 

“We did not even see a weapon in the hand of the person who was purported to be Isaiah. The face was blacked out, he was running down the street with his hands up, a telephone in one hand and a cup and some object in another,” Bingman said. 

Bingman said the family is looking for more footage of the scene from bystanders and trying to learn more about what led up to the shooting. As of May 12, Bingman said they haven’t filed a lawsuit against the department. 

“We want justice, whatever that means, criminal, civil, both, we don’t know yet, but as we gather facts, we’ll have a better understanding of the direction in which we can go,” Bingman said. 

The family alleges that Kirby was not suffering from a mental health crisis when he was approached by police. 

“Since that day, all I wanted to know was what was the truth? I didn’t ask for nothing else. I don’t ask for nothing else. I just want to know the truth of what happened behind my baby as to why he is no longer on this earth breathing,” said Kirby’s mother, Karyn Kirby.

“Truth and transparency is all we ask for. Why delay the information if you’re not trying to hide things? Puda, I love you in the morning.”

CBS News Detroit reached out to East Lansing police for comment and is awaiting a response.