It has been a couple of weeks now since a black bear ventured into Herndon, but the town is still riding the high of that rare visitation.
The bear has inspired a new promotional campaign from the Herndon Parks and Recreation Department, which announced Monday (June 23) that it has “hired” Elden the Bear to serve as its ambassador.
“Elden the Bear will once again appear all over the community as a playful and friendly guide to all things Parks & Rec,” the department said in a press release. “Wearing his ranger hat, a backpack, and a T-shirt, Elden is already becoming a recognizable and beloved face throughout the community.”
Starting July 1, the bear — now rendered in cartoon form — will pop up around the town for a month-long “Where’s Elden?” scavenger hunt. He will also share educational and safety tips, and encourage kids’ creativity through a series of coloring pages.
The coloring pages can be picked up from the Herndon Community Center or downloaded for free from Herndon Parks and Rec’s website.
More from the Town of Herndon’s press release:
“Where’s Elden?” Activity Series
Throughout the month of July, families can participate in the “Where’s Elden?” scavenger hunt — spotting the bear’s likeness at local parks, special events, or on social media. Participants are encouraged to snap a photo and tag @HerndonParks for a chance to win fun prizes and be featured online.“Elden Says” Educational Messages
Elden also shares helpful reminders and safety tips across flyers, signage, and social media. Whether it’s trail etiquette, pool safety, or reminders to stay hydrated, “Elden Says” makes learning fun and approachable for young explorers.Free Coloring Pages
To support creative and screen-free fun, the department has also released a series of free printable coloring pages featuring Elden in familiar Herndon settings.
In addition to operating the Herndon Community Center, the town’s parks and recreation department oversees 11 neighborhood parks and organizes community events, such as the new Town Square Tuesdays concert series that launched on June 17.
“Elden allows us to share our programs and values in a creative, approachable way,” Reid Okoniewski, the parks and rec department’s marketing and communications specialist, said. “Whether he’s showing up in our parks, on our social media, or in a coloring book, he’s helping us reach new families and connect with the community.”
Nicknamed “Elden” by the town, the real-life black bear was spotted roaming through residential neighborhoods on the morning of June 9. The animal had made its way to western Fairfax County from Maryland after getting relocated from Bethesda in late May.
The 1-year-old bear eventually climbed up a tree in the 800 block of Elden Street, prompting police to close off the road to both vehicle and foot traffic. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) was called in to assist and managed to get the bear down with the help of a tranquilizer dart that evening, NBC4 reported.
A DWR spokesperson confirmed the black bear was moved to one of the department’s Wildlife Management Areas, but its policy is not to “publicize the exact release locations of relocated wildlife.”
