MONTVILLE, TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- A lone black bear was spotted in the eastern and southern suburbs of Cleveland, roaming through back yards and roads, state officials said.

The bear was spotted on May 12 in Portage County and the following day in Hudson. Residents later reported bear sightings in Brecksville and in Hinckley Township. He was last spotted on Ohio 57 and River Styx Road in Medina County's Montville Township Monday, according to an Ohio Department of Natural Resources wildlife researcher.

The bear appears to be a 3-year-old male and weighs about 200 pounds, ODNR wildlife research technician Laurie Graber said in a Tuesday telephone interview.

Graber said she's received videos and photos of the bear since its first sighting.

Photos and videos the bear were posted on social media and shared thousands of times.

Black bear down off Rt.57 and River Styx Rd in Medina please if you live down and around that area be vigilant and have your gun handy.... not to kill it for protection. Posted by Jason Gibbs on Sunday, May 20, 2018

Landscapers stumbled upon a black bear in Pepper Pike last week. It's unknown if that's the same bear that popped up this week.

Ohio was once the home to a robust population of black bears, but those numbers dwindled due to unregulated hunting. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources estimates the state is currently home to about 50 to 100 black bears, and considers them to be an endangered species.

The bear may have traveled from Pennsylvania for mating season. The bear is possibly tracked by its tags on the ears, Graber said.

Pennsylvania is home to about 18,000 bears, she said.

Male bears often cross state lines by following interstates, rivers and train tracks in search of females counterparts from the mid-May to early July mating season every other year. The season often leads to an increase in bear sightings.

Black bears could be between 115 pounds to 700 pounds. The average black bear weighs about 300 pounds while females are closer to 175 pounds, she said.

ODNR suggests removing tempting bird feeders. It also says that you should store your garbage and pet foods indoors, and to clean out your grills and grease traps. If you own any fruit-bearing trees, ODNR says to make sure to pick your fruit as soon as possible.

But if none of that works, ODNR suggest the following steps if you encounter a bear:

* Act calm and do not run.

* Warn the bear that you are near; talk in a firm, calm voice.

* Allow space between you and the bear. Step aside and back slowly away. Do not make the bear feel trapped or threatened.

* Raise your hands above your head to appear larger if the bear approaches. Clap your hands or shout to scare the bear away.

* Exit the area.