In rural parts of Loudoun, residents aren't surprised to see an occasional black bear, but this week there have been several bear sightings in suburban communities.

On Monday, a black bear was spotted in Ashburn Farm near Wayside Circle and on Tuesday, one was seen off Claiborne Parkway near Belmont Country Club.

Sadly, a 2-year-old cub was struck by a vehicle Tuesday morning on the Dulles Greenway near the Route 15 exit in Leesburg, and had to be euthanized because of its injuries.

Laura Rizer, a spokesperson for the Loudoun County Department of Animal Care and Control, said black bear sightings are common this time of year. Apparently, mama bears kick their young out of the den around age 2, and the cubs wander about looking for a nice spot of their own.

As development encroaches on the bears' living areas, they're often spotted in populated areas.

"The best thing to do when you see a bear is to leave it alone," Rizer said. "They are afraid of people and are not aggressive."

Animal Control typically does not respond to bear sightings unless the animal poses a threat to people or their pets.

To keep bears from coming close to your home, Rizer suggests removing anything that they may consider a food source -- garbage, pet food bowls, bird feeders, etc. Keep your trash cans in the garage and tightly secured on collection days. "If they can't find anything to eat, they will move along," she said.