Binghamton University has had some unusual visitors on campus in the past few weeks, but BU officials say that reports of bear sightings are nothing to be alarmed about — and are actually quite natural for this part of the state.

A B-Line notice sent out earlier this month notified students that the University had received reports of a bear and bear cub spotted near the Nature Preserve. Deputy Chief of University Police Timothy R. Faughnan and Nature Preserve steward Dylan Horvath each received two reports of a sighting.

“We felt that it was prudent to let the community know there are bears in the Nature Preserve and that it’s not that uncommon in this part of the state,” Faughnan said.

UPD contacted the Department of Environmental Preservation, who told them that the best thing to do if one comes in contact with a bear is to slowly go back toward the direction you came, and not to run.

Faughnan also said that part of the reason the University sent out a B-Line was to notify students from downstate and more urban areas who may not know that bears are natural in the area at this time of year.

“For the most part, bears are docile,” he said, adding that the B-Line notice was more of an advisory than a warning.

Horvath echoed Faughnan’s sentiments and said that one of the reports he received was actually of the bears running away.

“The main thing is to leave the bear alone and stay calm,” Horvath said. He also stated that it is extremely rare for people to get hurt, especially considering that there are millions of bear encounters a year.

After receiving information that there had been a sighting, Horvath tracked the Preserve and identified at least one black bear. He said the bear went to the pond and drank, and then continued on.

According to Horvath, the Nature Preserve, which is between 190 and 200 acres, is not big enough for the bears to stay, and they usually continue on to the south of campus where there’s more land.

The area is home to a number of different animals, from porcupines to foxes and possums, but bears are usually only around for fall and spring.

“We don’t want people to stop using the Nature Preserve,” Faughnan said, adding that there has never been a single bear attack on campus.

As long as people follow the rules and use the space appropriately, and don’t leave food or litter, Horvath said there’s little incentive for the bears to come.

Anyone who wishes to take a tour of the Nature Preserve can contact Dylan Horvath at naturepr@binghamton.edu.