Black bear sightings have seen a recent uptick in Kentucky neighborhoods, backyards, and urban areas that are not part of the state’s typical bear range.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Bear Program Coordinator John Hast says while a bear sighting may be surprising, it is not that uncommon.
““It’s just kind of the evolutionary plan of bear populations,” Hast said. “They send their young males out. So right now is the start of the breeding season in the bear range in the mountains of Kentucky, and really this is the point where those year and a half old males kind of get the boot, and when that happens they go in search of new habitat and mates and let’s call it one out of every 100 or one out of every 200 just ends up walking out of the mountains.”
KFW says bears can travel 20 miles or more in a day if left undisturbed, meaning they can reach as far away as Missouri as they wander for several weeks before instinctively returning to the mountains in the fall.
Black bears have a natural fear of people and dogs, so adverse encounters are extremely rare. Hast says if you happen to spot a bear, use common sense, but enjoy the moment.
“Honestly, I tell people, especially folks in E-Town and outside the typical bear range, consider yourself lucky that you saw one, and just take it for what it is,” Hast said. “Get a quick video on the cell phone or something. Obviously, don’t approach.”
If a black bear sighting is reported in your area, for a few weeks secure garbage in a garage or other building, don’t leave pet food outside, and clean and securely store barbecue grills. This helps keep wild bears wild, and it is a violation of Kentucky law to feed bears or knowingly leave unsecured food available for them.
Learn more about bear safety at www.bearwise.org, and learn more about the Kentucky black bear population on the Black Bear webpage at fw.ky.gov. Report bear sightings to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Information Center at info.center@ky.gov or by calling 1-800-858-1549.
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