There’s A Bear Named Todd Roaming Around This Minnesota Town

The unexpected visitor has been spotted in several areas around town, drawing plenty of attention from curious residents.

Residents of Austin, Minnesota, have a new local celebrity, and he's a lot furrier than most.

A black bear that has been wandering through the city has earned the nickname "Todd" after spending much of last Sunday relaxing in Todd Park.

According to Austin police, Todd was most recently seen near the Les Schwab Tire Center and appears to be moving quickly through the area.

Authorities continue to monitor the bear's movements and are encouraging people to give him plenty of space if they happen to see him.

While black bear sightings aren't unusual in parts of Minnesota, seeing one stroll through a city of roughly 25,000 people certainly gets people talking.

Austin, located in Mower County in southeastern Minnesota, is best known as the home of Hormel Foods and the popular SPAM Museum.

Wildlife officials remind residents that bears are generally more interested in finding food and shelter than interacting with people.

Anyone who spots Todd should avoid approaching him, keep pets indoors or on a leash, and secure outdoor food sources such as bird feeders and garbage containers.