More Wild Animals Could Surface Due To Fire, Tornado

ADGER, Ala. (WIAT) ---"We haven't seen any bears in this area at this time but you know, you never rule out anything because you're out in the rural area of Jefferson County."

Bobby St. John owns a camp ground along Blue Creek. While no one is sure where the bear in Ensley came from, animal control experts say there are many reasons a wild animal will leave the woods, including natural elements.

When a tornado or fire disrupts these natural habitat, a bear or any animal for that matter has no choice but to find somewhere else to live

"This heat brings them out, where they get more aggressive, they wont move much during the day but as it cools off they're trying to find food, water, another cool place for the next day so they're always moving around too," explains Doug Hartman, operator of Critter Control of Birmingham.

St. John says it's pretty normal for them to see more wildlife trying to escape the flames.

"You see a lot of different type of animals. You see raccoons, opossums, coyotes, just different things come out leaving from the fire, you know coming this way," he adds.

For now, St. John says he's not worried. Even if a bear does happen to stop by.

If you do see an animal like a bear or coyote, the folks at Critter Control say to stay away.

Although they typically don't want to hurt people, its best to let the experts deal with these wild animals.

Credits: By Stephanie Salvatore - CBS42.com