Conway Bear Caught ‘Showing Off’ on Camera — Returns Nightly Like He Knows He’s Being Watched
CONWAY, S.C. — In what might be the most entertaining wildlife footage to come out of South Carolina this year, a black bear visiting a Conway backyard has been caught on camera looking more like a social media influencer than a wild animal.
Resident Justin Seidhom set up a trail camera behind his property to track local wildlife — but what he captured has the internet buzzing. Almost every night, a black bear shows up, lounging, stretching, and even striking playful poses as if aware of the spotlight.
The series of nighttime images shows the bear reclining on its back, turning toward the lens, and even appearing to “ham it up” for the camera.
“It’s like he knows he’s being watched,” Seidhom joked in a post. “He shows up, rolls around, and acts like this is his photo shoot.”
A Familiar Visitor in Conway
According to Seidhom, the bear has made near-nightly appearances over the past few weeks, wandering through the yard before settling in for a bit of relaxation. Locals have affectionately nicknamed the animal “Conway Carl” — though wildlife officials remind residents to maintain a safe distance.
The trail cam photos quickly gained traction online after being shared by community pages, drawing hundreds of comments from amused residents.
“He’s definitely auditioning for a bear calendar,” one commenter wrote.
“That’s the most photogenic bear I’ve ever seen,” added another.
Experts Weigh In
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) says black bears are not uncommon in Horry County, especially during this time of year. As the weather cools and food sources shift, bears are more likely to wander into residential areas.
“They’re curious, not confrontational,” said an SCDNR spokesperson. “This one’s behavior — rolling and relaxing — likely means he feels comfortable in the area.”
Officials advise residents to remove outdoor pet food, secure garbage cans, and avoid feeding wildlife, which can encourage repeat visits.
A Charming Reminder of Coexistence
While some homeowners might be alarmed by the sight of a bear so close to their property, Seidhom says he’s come to appreciate the nightly guest — as long as the animal keeps a safe distance.
“He’s not hurting anything,” Seidhom said. “It’s kind of amazing seeing wildlife this close up, and honestly, it’s been pretty funny to watch.”
The SCDNR reminds residents that black bears are a protected species in South Carolina and should never be approached or provoked.
For now, Seidhom says the camera will stay rolling — and he’s hoping for more appearances from Conway’s new local celebrity.
“If he keeps showing up,” Seidhom laughed, “I might have to start charging him for the photo sessions.”
Stay tuned for more South Carolina wildlife stories at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
