Wildlife Sightings Across Cherokee County Serve as Reminder to Stay Alert

Wildlife sightings across Cherokee County have included rattlesnakes near Pratt Street and W. Main Street and along County Road 91 in Gaylesville, as well as a black bear roaming North River Street in Centre. Photos courtesy of WEIS Radio/Facebook and M. Kirk Keener/Facebook. Graphic designed by The Weekly Ledger News.

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Local/Community News | Friday, August 21, 2026

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ala. — Several recent wildlife encounters across Cherokee County are serving as a timely reminder for residents to stay alert while outdoors, as two rattlesnakes and a bear have been spotted in different parts of the county.

Jeff Morton was photographed with a rattlesnake that had been struck near Cherokee Glass at the intersection of Pratt Street and West Main Street. The sighting highlights the possibility of encountering rattlesnakes even in populated areas and near local businesses and roadways.

Jeff Morton is pictured with a rattlesnake that had been struck near Cherokee Glass at the intersection of Pratt Street and West Main Street in Cherokee County. Photo courtesy of WEIS Radio/Facebook.

In another part of the county, Eddie Hanson captured a rattlesnake along County Road 91 in the Gaylesville area.

Eddie Hanson is pictured with a rattlesnake along County Road 91 the Gaylesville area. Photo courtesy of WEIS Radio/Facebook.

Meanwhile, residents in Centre had a much larger visitor recently. M. Kirk Keener captured photographs of a bear roaming the North River Street area Sunday afternoon, an unusual sight that quickly caught the attention of residents in the neighborhood.

A black bear is pictured roaming the North River Street area Sunday afternoon. M. Kirk Keener captured the photos as the bear moved through the neighborhood. Photo courtesy of M. Kirk Keener/Facebook.

Photo courtesy of M. Kirk Keener/Facebook.

The sightings come during a time of year when wildlife can be especially active. Residents are encouraged to watch where they step when walking through yards, wooded areas, tall grass or other places where rattlesnakes may be difficult to see.

Anyone who encounters a bear should also give the animal plenty of space and avoid approaching or attempting to feed it. Pets and children should be kept close when wildlife has recently been reported in the area.

From rattlesnakes to bears, these recent Cherokee County sightings are a good reminder that wildlife is sharing the outdoors with us.

Keep your eyes open, watch where you step and be aware of your surroundings — because you never know what might be just around the corner.

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