If a black bear is seen don’t panic, that’s a message the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is issuing.
Wildlife Technician Laurie Brown says breeding season lasts through the beginning of July.
“Adult males seeking females move a lot. They’ll move up to 100 miles or more. Females have a smaller home range, four to ten square miles or something in that range so they don’t move as much.”
Locally, black bear sightings were reported in Guernsey County. If seeing a black bear, the most important thing to do is give it space.
“You don’t want to corner it or do anything to that degree to make the bear uncomfortable. Usually when we see bears, they might stand there, maybe stand on their back feet, to check you out and then take off.”
Brown says there’s a few simple steps to limit a bear stopping at a home.
“There are things that can attract them. We usually suggest taking down your bird feeder, that is the biggest thing that bears get in to. Also, keep trash in until the night of pick up because they will get into garbage cans occasionally.”
These animals are most active early in the morning and late in the event. If encountering a bear outside giving it space is the best option.
Anyone spotting a black bear is encouraged to contact ODNR.
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