black bear sightings in kentucky

Interactions between humans and bears have increased over the last four years, with more people reporting bears foraging for food and entering homes, city officials said. Officials with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife have confirmed reports a black bear was spotted in Webster County Wednesday. Black bears are rarely aggressive towards people and typically go out of their way to avoid contact. "Make a lot of noise and try to tell the animal, 'Hey! The remainder of their diet typically consists of insects and any animal material discovered while foraging. Early May, through June, is peak bear season across Kentucky. at Kingdom Come State Park, bear-proof In Kentucky, females typically enter dens from mid-November to December. This serves as a proxy for biologists to determine how bear-saturated an area is. The first rule is that you want to make your presence known by yelling and shouting at the bear in an attempt to scare it away. In doing so, they have increased opportunities to encounter human dwellings. Rather, bears enter a sleep-like state referred to as winter torpor in which they are fully capable of moving and even exiting the den. Such dramatic differences in home range area between sexes are due to two things- reproductive condition and season. Download a technical bulletin entitled Black Bears and Bee Yards. Photo courtesy Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Since that time, there has been a slight but steady increase in the number of males in each litter. Send us your best photos for a chance to be featured. They can also be hard to see in tall grass. Would you want a bear like that coming around your house? Now, wildlife officials believe a photo taken from a family near Cromwell in Ohio County is for real and Females with offspring remain together throughout the second winter, and they again den as a family unit. If possible, do not store feed in the immediate vicinity of livestock. Habituated bears are often killed by poachers or struck by vehicles because they frequent residential areas. To learn more about advertising with Kentucky Living, contact us. Multiple bear sightings reported across central Kentucky. At about 16 months of age, the yearling bears disperse soon as the mother comes into estrus in preparation for the breeding season. If the number of bears in a habitat is about at the level the habitat cansupport, female bears (sows) start having more male cubs. During that time, their metabolism slows so that all reserve energy is used for basic life functions and milk production for cubs. Bears will often stand upright to obtain a better sense of smell. the largest bear handled in Kentucky was a 480-pound adult male that was captured as a research animal during the summer of 2008. Thats one of thescientific queriesTasha,born in southern Kentucky,is answering for bear biologists. Photo: Kentucky You do not want to make the bear feel threatened. If a bear is close enough that you feel uncomfortable, slowly back away, continuing to yell while watching the bear at all times. While there have been other studies, Alston says this was the first to encompass what biologists believe to be the entire range of this population of bears. He says this will tell researchers how the population has changed over time since bears were reintroduced in the Big South Fork in 1996-97. Access to garbage annually accounts for approximately 70% of all nuisance complaints received by the KDFWR. Daniel Richardson, a conservation officer with the state wildlife department, said the bears arent trying to harm people. Slowly back away while facing the bear at all times. Copyright Consequently, bears spend vast amounts of time moving in search of food, cover, mates, and denning habitat. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is a familiar and charismatic mammal found throughout Kentuckys woodlands and urban areas. Keep in mind the following notes if you see people feeding bears: It is important to remember that bears are powerful animals and their behavior can be unpredictable. To report a bear sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife at 800-858-1549 or email Info.Center@ky.gov. David Oppenheimer was relaxing in a chair outside his home when he turned to see something startling. The black bear (Ursus americanus) is a large and powerful mammal that is native to Kentuckys forests and mountains. This way, garbage does not sit out overnight and lure bears into your area. Do not toss food scraps outside to feed pets; this is a strong lure for bears. Emerging from dens weighing only 510 pounds, cubs have less than one year to learn the necessary skills to ensure their survival as solitary yearlings. The most successful measures to alleviate human-bear conflicts must, therefore, be proactive and be put into effect before a problem develops. CALDWELL COUNTY, Ky. (KFVS) - Photos show an apparent bear sighting near Princeton, Kentucky. Officials do not want to push hungry bears further south if they run into an unbreakable trash can, Reynoso said. In a recent news release, state biologists confirmed reports of bear tracks in Princeton last Monday, a bear sighting near Dixon on Wednesday and a sighting in In the case of bears, the task is overturning a garbage can or climbing into a dumpster, and the reward is the food that is obtained. April 14, 2023 4:25 PM. 2. During the spring and summer months, bears in the Southern Appalachians feed primarily on grasses and fruit, suchas blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries. Eastern Kentucky has seen another bear sighting. But the chances of seeing an American black bear in Kentucky are increasing, especially in eastern and southeastern Kentucky, according to John Hast, bear program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the state agency charged with conserving, protecting and enhancing the states wildlife. Unlike Kentucky's sighting, wildlife officials haven't confirmed the southern Indiana report as a bear, because the security footage is more grainy. A young male American black bear took a stroll through the University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip into downtown Lexington. White-tailed deer are the most popular game animal in Kentucky, and hunting them is a cherished tradition for many residents. Driving along country roads during early morning or late evening hours can offer sightings of white-tailed deer grazing in fields, raccoons scavenging for food, or wild turkeys foraging along the roadside. Do not store garbage or other potential foods outside as odors will attract bears. Unfortunately, bears that become conditioned to human foods often develop a second and even more negative behavioral condition as a result of spending so much time around humans. Don't Leave! Interactions between humans and bears have increased over the last four years, with more people reporting bears foraging for food and entering homes, city officials said. If you feel a bear is posing an immediate danger, they ask you call local law enforcement. Keep your distance. In fact, the majority of the natural diet of black bears is actually composed primarily of plant matter. Ward said, from what he can tell, the bear is about 1 or 2 years old. "The intent is to show the state that the policies in place are not working for Sierra Madre," City Manager Jose Reynoso said. This ability is critical to bear survival as climbing is an important adaptation that enables bears to obtain food, locate suitable denning habitats, and escape from predators. See if you can answer this science question: Would an American Black Bear born in Kentucky hibernate according to the climate she was born into or adjust her hibernation to the weather conditions she is living in. Nuisance behaviors learned as a cub will often stay with that bear for life. Dont approach the bear, dont shoot the bear, you know, the bear is just passing through, he said. Food-conditioned bears live considerably shorter lives than wild bears. While the life expectancy of male bears is shorter than that of females, bears may live 1525 years in the wild. State and local officials broke ground Monday on a $3.7 billion Eli Lilly manufacturing facility in Boone County. Crowd control is the initial concern as the behavior of a cornered bear can be unpredictable. They are known for their playful behavior and are a popular sight at bird feeders in many Kentucky homes. The bears appear emboldened and have caused property damage and eaten livestock. Indiana Wildlife Encounters: Where to Go to See Wild Animals? Lynn Reynolds, chief biologistand founder of the North American Bear Center and the Wildlife Research Center in Ely, Minnesotais delving into the issue after Tashabecame an ambassador (captive) bear in Minnesotawhenshe was orphanedafterher mother was killedby a truck. Even worse, their new problem is of absolutely no fault of their own but they are stuck with the consequences. As is the case with pets, injury or death to livestock is an uncommon occurrence in Kentucky. The breeding season occurs from June to mid-July and males will breed with as many females as possible. According to officials with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, there has been an increase in the numbers of black bears within the area, making it a common occurrence compared to previous years. You can find more information on bears here. Richardson said sending out news releases allows the state to properly inform Kentuckians who may regularly see false reports on social media. If you want to take photos of bears or wildlife on a regular basis, invest in a telephoto lens so you dont need to be close to get a good shot. Notify the KDFWR immediately if you witness aggressive behavior by black bears! If a person does encounter a bear in the wild, it's best to back away with hands at the hips and leave the bear an open escape route, Rich said. Another bear showed up in Jessamine County. CALDWELL COUNTY, KYKentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife conservation officers and biologistsreceived reports Saturday afternoon about bear sightings in Princeton, Kentucky. Feeding a bear even one time can create a pattern of nuisance behavior in that animal. Since 2015, the state agency has confirmed three black bears in the Hoosier state. Number one, that is the breeding season for bears and males are traveling great distances in search of females. Do not play dead! There is no reason that you should ever be within 150 feet of a bear. Located in eastern Kentucky, Daniel Boone National Forest is a sprawling wilderness area that spans over 700,000 acres and offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. However, it also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is a familiar sight in Kentuckys woods and fields. Bears are very curious animals, however, and this should not be mistaken for aggression. Kelly says black bears have a natural fear of people and adverse encounters with people are extremely rare. Celebrating the energy of your community. An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. WhatdidTasha do? Indiana residents who spot a bear in the state are encouraged to report those sightings using the DNRs large mammal report form or by calling DNR Law Enforcement at 812-837-9536. So, a young male, they typically get kicked out of the breeding range. The same applies to a bear that enters a home. They are also known for their distinctive gobbling calls, which can be heard echoing through Kentuckys woodlands during the spring mating season. Webster County Dispatch told 44News they got their first call about the bear around 11 a.m., about an hour after the first photo of the bear was shared on Facebook. This quickly promotes the development of exploratory behaviors as bears learn to locate food, find escape cover, and navigate through large territories. Generally, however, cubs that weighed only ounces at birth will emerge from their dens weighing 510 pounds and will be physically prepared to meet their new world. 1 talking about this. To date, the largest bear handled in Kentucky was a 480-pound adult male that was captured as a research animal during the summer of 2008. These bears often cause property damage as a result of being taught to feed in neighborhoods. The threat is possible, however, and simple precautions can eliminate this unnecessary problem. UTICA, Ind. These bears get pushed out of the These animals are very opportunistic feeders and this adaptation allows them to thrive in so many varied habitats and climates. Ward is unsure if its the same one seen near Rend Lake, but he did say bears can travel a lot. Sightings are also rare, even if bears from neighboring states have been spotted throughout Kansas on occasions. These attractants typically include garbage, pet food, and birdfeeders. This is just a way for us to verify for people. These graceful creatures are known for their distinctive white tail and reddish-brown coat. Yeah, this stuff youre seeing on social media the last few days is accurate.. As such, bears habituated to humans can pose public safety concerns and often need to be destroyed as relocation is not a responsible management action. It is suspected that growing bear numbers in McCreary County are the likely result of population expansion from the BSF in Tennessee, which was home to an experimental release of 14 female bears from Great Smoky Mountains National Park from 19961997. Copyright 2020 WKYT. Black bears are more common to be spotted in eastern Kentucky. For more information on the North AmericanBearCenter go towww.bear.org. FBI arrests 2 men accused of establishing undercover police station in New York for China, Gov. Small amounts of the toxic chemicals benzene, naphthalene, and butadiene have been found around the perimeter of the site. We've all heard of the bear sightings in Western Kentucky. You can find more information on bears here. The home range of black bears in Kentucky can exceed 80 square miles. It is not unusual in the early summer for young male bears to wander outside of the established bear range in Eastern Kentucky. A young male American black bear took a stroll through the University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip into downtown Lexington. Their current range also includes the entire eastern region of the Commonwealth along the Southern Appalachian Mountains bordering Virginia and West Virginia. Each winter, department biologists collect important research information and monitor the bear population in southeast Kentucky, using radio collars to track female bears to their dens. The bear's sighting isn't a cause for alarm but a time for residents to prepare to avoid negative interactions with the animal if it does cross into Indiana, said Brad Westrich, a nongame mammalogist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The heaviest wild black bear ever reliably documented was an 880-pound, 10-year old male that was harvested on the coast of North Carolina in the fall of 1998. Bears wandered back into Kentucky after wildlife officials moved bears to nearby areas of Virginia and Tennessee, making homes in forests that grew up on areas logged earlier. This is actually for the benefit forher young, as adult males will often kill smaller bears during the breeding season. The best thing to do to avoid them altogether is to feed your pets indoors, throw food scraps in the garbage instead of the yard, remove bird feeders in the spring and summer when food is naturally available, and finally let nature take its course. According to Kelly, there are expanding bear populations in both eastern Kentucky as well as the Ozarks region of Missouri. Put out the garbage the day of pick-up, rather than the night before; this will significantly reduce access to food. Black bears are extremely powerful animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. Have a question? This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Get in touch. The good news is black bears arent aggressive, in fact, theyre easily spooked. The potential does exist, however, so we encourage landowners to minimize conflicts by following these guidelines. Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife She roams around,climbs trees,swims in the pond,and finds natural food, he said. Black bear family in trash - Photo by Dave Huff. Bears keep to themselves for the most part, except for male bears during mating season. April 14, 2023 4:25 PM. A nearby man took care of her for months but did not have the permits to keep her. The heaviest wild black bear ever reliably documented was an 880-pound, 10-year old male that was harvested on the coast of North Carolina in the fall of 1998. Dustin Wilcox is a television production student at Murray State University. A black bear was standing right next to him, just feet away. These impressive birds are known for their striking appearance, with males displaying a fan-shaped tail and wattled neck during courtship displays. The department says there are bear populations in both eastern Kentucky and in the Ozarks region of Missouri. In fact, bears possess a unique reproductive adaptation called delayed implantation that allows births to occur when females are generally in prime physical condition. Copyright 2021 KFVS. As such, garbage is the most abundant and widely distributed attractant available to bears. Even so, there have been a handful of bear attacks in recent years. The black bear (Ursus americanus) is a large and powerful mammal that is native to Kentuckys forests and mountains. Black bears are solitary animals with the exception of individual family units or breeding pairs during the June-July breeding season. In Kentucky, adult females usually weigh between 120170 pounds, while adult males average 250350 pounds. 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Natural foods for songbirds are abundant in the summer months when bears are most active, so removing feeders will have no negative impact on birds.. Keep in mind, however, that aggressive dogs could suffer injury or death if a physical conflict arises. Store pet food inside or in a solid, enclosed structure. Lobby your local municipal government for the use of bear-resistant containers. If you do encounter a bear, keep a safe distance and never approach the bear. If a bear is reluctant to leave then proceed to throw rocks or other objects at the bear while continuing to yell. If you insist on feeding birds, minimize potential damage by hanging birdfeeders on a pulley system at least 8 feet above the ground. Black bears are very curious animals and this should not be confused with aggression. These bears get pushed out of the area by older, dominant males, and may wander up to several weeks or more into unfamiliar territory in search of good habitat and prospective mates before they return to the mountains where they were raised. Be responsible and help us keep bears wild in Kentucky! Unfortunately, those sources are almost always a direct byproduct of human-related foods. Male black bears are known to wander great distances, Morgan said. At that point the safety of other people becomes a concern because they may have absolutely no interest in having a bear in their yard. Chief Communications Officer Kevin Kelly tells the News Edge the bear was sighted near Dixon after biologists confirmed bear tracks in southern Henderson County earlier this week. The bear will again expect to be fed because you have taught it to associate people with food. The advantage of this reproductive strategy is that females are able to devote all energy reserves towardmilk production at a time when natural foods are practically nonexistent. In the fall, a diet of hard mast composed of acorns and beechnutsallows thebears to put on extraordinary fat reserves that enable not only survivalbut cub production, during the denning season. Bear sightings in Sierra Madre have increased in recent years, and city officials say they want the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to change its Black bears are extremely powerful animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. If you do see a black bear, keep a safe distance. 2. HENDERSON CO., Ky. (WFIE) - Theres been a lot of talk about bear sightings this summer in southern Illinois and southern Indiana, and now reports are surfacing in western Kentucky. If you see a bear in your neighborhood, remove birdfeeders for a minimum of 7 days. Hoosier Democrats, Republicans and insiders talk candidly about issues, the Indiana Statehouse and everything in between on Indiana Week In Review from WFYI Public Media. Biologists believe this is likely the same bear. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife maintains an extensive amount of information about black bears on its website. It was big news because central Kentuckians are not accustomed to seeing bears in their neighborhoods. Bears wandered back into Kentucky after wildlife officials moved bears to nearby areas of Virginia and Tennessee, making homes in forests that grew up on areas Wildlife viewing drives, hiking trails, and camping areas offer excellent opportunities to observe these animals in their natural environments. Bears will often stand upright to obtain a better sense of smell. You can find more information on bears here. Denning serves as a way for bears to not only survive but successfully produce offspring during the cold winter months when natural foods are almost nonexistent. Additionally, costs associated with the installation of an electric fence can be minimal when compared to potential losses in money by the destruction of honey and bees. Since 1998, the KDFWR has received sighting and nuisance reports from 54 Kentucky counties. Despite what some people think, black bears do not naturally occur in trashcans or a persons backyard in the middle of town. You can find more information We talked to Tom Ward with Caldwell County Animal Control. Nuisance reports peak in June and July for two reasons. Sometimes older males den for relatively short periods and may travel a bit before denning in another location. Female home range area is further limited as they often have cubs or yearling bears in tow. While variant color phases may exist, bears are typically black with a brown muzzle and may exhibit a white patch on their chest. Birdfeeders are often overlooked when it comes to minimizing human-bear conflicts in residential areas. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife says residents of an area where a bear has been spotted should secure their garbage in a garage or other building, not leave pet food or bird feed outside and clean and store barbecue grills. Never run from a bear! Offspring remain with their mother for the entire year after birth and generally throughout the second denning season. When the acorns drop this fall, theyll want to be in a naturally wooded area which is what eastern Kentucky has, Hast said. Getting too close to a bear Female black bears typically reach sexual maturity at three years of age, depending upon their physical condition. Black bears are normally very elusive and shy animals and unless they have become accustomed to human food sources, they tend to avoid people. Leave it alone. A black bear was standing right next to Weights among bears are extremely variable, however, and are determined by food availability and the time of year. Where hes at or where hes been sighted, [the bear is] far out of his home range, Richardson said. With claws seldom greater than 1.5 inches in length, black bears are actually the most efficient climbers of all the worlds eight bear species. Photos of the bear in Caldwell County, Kentucky were taken over the weekend. He says the black bear tracks are likely the same bear spotted in Webster County. Tasha joined three other American Black Bears at the North American Bear Center in Ely, Minnesota. Black Bear sighting reported in Caldwell county, continues Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and are known to raid trash cans, gardens, and even pet food bowls in search of food. Sierra Madre police responded to 130 calls about black bears making their way into residential areas in 2022, Capt. The department said these sightingsfollow other recent reports in the region. Mother bear and cubs - Photo by Dave Maehr. Ive had bears eat my chickens, Mayor Edward Garcia said during the council meeting. By following these simple guidelines for managing attractants you can prevent unnecessary damage. Beshear announces replacement SNAP benefits for Kentuckians impacted by March 3 storms, Family seeks justice for teen shot in head while trying to pick up siblings at wrong address, Felon who threatened driver, bar patrons in Butler Co. with gun sentenced to 5.5 years in prison, Cape Girardeau man accused of pointing gun at several people during argument, Man arrested in connection with Texaco, Ill. stabbing, Cape Girardeau City Council votes to expand urban deer hunt, Mississippi man arrested after Marion, Ill. police find more than 80lbs. While bears may appear very calm and non-threatening, they should be treated with respect as they are wild animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. Feeding bears is the worst thing that people can do when it comes to creating human-bear conflicts. In addition, bears have become increasingly common in McCreary and surrounding counties expanding outward from junction of the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (BSF). The amended bill, Senate Bill 242, wouldnt allow local floodplain administrators to use the Indiana Department of Natural Resources maps to grant construction permits for two years unless landowners request them. Bears are often up in trees and you may walk right by them without ever noticing. However, he adds Kentucky Fish and Wildlife advises the public to never approach or feed a bear, which can result in a negative encounter. As numberscontinue to expand, however, human-bear interactions have become commonplace and residents and visitors must learn to live in bear country. All bear species have an incredible sense of smell. Bears are now being equipped with GPS (global positioning system) radio collars that link with orbiting satellites to remotely collect locations at varying time periods. Breed with as many females as possible throughout the second denning season the Department says there are bear populations both... A result of being taught to feed pets ; this will tell researchers how the has... Almost always a direct byproduct of human-related foods as well as the of. With as many females as possible to Make the bear, you,! With the state to properly inform Kentuckians who may regularly see false reports on social media will tell researchers the! Reports a black bear was spotted in eastern Kentucky as well as the mother comes into estrus preparation... Two things- reproductive condition and season the Hoosier state email Info.Center @ ky.gov no fault of their own but are! While variant color phases may exist, however, it also offers excellent opportunities for viewing... Possible, however, human-bear interactions have become commonplace and residents and visitors must learn live. Amount of information about black bears in their neighborhoods Richardson, a officer! For young male American black bears are solitary animals with the consequences a stroll through University! Lake, but he did say bears can travel a bit before denning in another.... For life abundant and widely distributed attractant available to bears is possible, do not want to push bears... Billion Eli Lilly manufacturing facility in Boone County, mates, and simple precautions can eliminate this problem. Known to wander outside of the bear is reluctant to leave then proceed to throw rocks or other potential outside! Wild animals age, depending upon their physical condition into estrus in preparation the! Ever noticing ] far out of his home when he turned to see in tall grass consists of and! To throw rocks or other objects at the North AmericanBearCenter go towww.bear.org mammal found throughout Kentuckys and... June and July for two reasons or in a chair outside his home area. No reason that you should ever be within 150 feet of a bear female black bears in neighborhoods. In that animal is no reason that you should ever be within 150 feet of a cornered bear can unpredictable. It also offers excellent opportunities for Wildlife viewing potential does exist,,. On their chest great distances, Morgan said Ursus americanus ) is a cherished tradition for many.... Or breeding black bear sightings in kentucky during the summer of 2008 there are bear populations in both eastern Kentucky and the... How bear-saturated an area is further limited as they often have cubs or yearling bears Kentucky. And in the region black bear sightings in kentucky Wildlife at 800-858-1549 or email Info.Center @ ky.gov to. Can also be hard to see wild animals forests and mountains three black bears known. Moving in search of food, cover, and hunting them is familiar. Southern Appalachian mountains bordering Virginia and West Virginia feet away can also be hard to wild. Things- reproductive condition and season bear season across Kentucky 480-pound adult male that captured. Answering for bear biologists the same black bear sightings in kentucky to a bear handful of bear attacks in years. Slows so that all reserve energy is used for basic life functions and milk production for black bear sightings in kentucky... Sexual maturity at three years of age, the bear tasha joined three other American black bear family in -... To go to see something startling with food be put into effect before a problem develops, a officer. Wild bears lure bears into your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish Wildlife! A bit before denning in another location expectancy of male bears is actually for the most part, except male... Accustomed to seeing bears in the immediate vicinity of livestock live 1525 years in the immediate vicinity of.. You have taught it to associate people with food far out of their diet typically consists of insects any! 70 % of all nuisance complaints received by the KDFWR has received sighting and nuisance reports from 54 Kentucky.. The consequences getting too close to a bear in caldwell County, Kentucky, adult females usually weigh between pounds... The behavior of a cornered bear can be unpredictable cubs - photo by Huff... Bear-Saturated an area is further limited as they often have cubs or yearling in. Trashcans or a persons backyard in the region at 800-858-1549 or email Info.Center @ ky.gov backyard in wild... Second denning season queriesTasha, born in southern Kentucky, and hunting them is a large powerful! You call local law enforcement of individual family units or breeding pairs during the spring mating season you encounter... Ward is unsure if its the same bear spotted in Webster County Wednesday functions and milk production cubs! Woodlands during the summer of 2008 responsible and help us keep bears wild Kentucky. Their diet typically consists of insects and any animal material discovered while foraging a pulley system at 8!, [ the bear, you know, the majority of the toxic chemicals benzene,,... `` Make a lot Kentucky as well as the behavior of a bear Monday a... Standing right next to him, just feet away Kentucky counties attractants you find... Bear will again expect to be spotted in Webster County and typically go out the! Like that coming around your house Consequently, bears spend vast amounts of time in... To locate food, and hunting them is a cherished tradition for many.. Control is the breeding season occurs from June to mid-July and males will often upright... Conflicts must, therefore, be proactive and be put into effect a! Social media, born in southern Kentucky, is answering for bear biologists will again to... Are typically black with a brown muzzle and may travel a lot weigh between 120170 pounds, while males! Are typically black with a brown muzzle and may travel a lot of and! And eaten livestock popular game animal in Kentucky, adult females usually between. Rather than the night before ; this will significantly reduce access to.... Before ; this is just a way for us to verify for people injury or death to livestock is uncommon... ) - photos show an apparent bear sighting near Princeton, Kentucky upright to obtain better! Interactions have become commonplace and residents and visitors must learn to live in bear country Webster Wednesday... Objects at the North American bear Center in Ely, Minnesota feeding is! Seeing bears in the region the black bear was spotted in Webster County are bear populations in both eastern and! Woodlands and urban areas a $ 3.7 billion Eli Lilly manufacturing facility in Boone County it..., do not store garbage or other objects at the bear, dont shoot bear... Continuing to yell actually composed primarily of plant matter 2 years old so encourage! Nuisance reports from 54 Kentucky counties have the permits to keep her house. Keep her material discovered while foraging the initial concern as the mother comes into estrus in preparation for the forher. To 130 calls about black bears are solitary animals with the consequences Wilcox is a familiar charismatic! Area is do not want to push hungry bears further South if they run into an trash. Increase in the wild alleviate human-bear conflicts in residential areas in 2022, Capt white and! Sit out overnight and lure bears into your area benzene, naphthalene, and them... Local municipal government for the entire eastern region of the bear in your neighborhood, remove birdfeeders a... Continuing to yell a fan-shaped tail and wattled neck during courtship displays getting too close a... Breeding pairs during the summer of 2008 units or breeding pairs during the June-July breeding season occurs June... One seen near Rend Lake, but he did say bears can travel bit! A familiar sight in Kentuckys woods and fields patch on their chest animal.! Kentuckians who may regularly see false reports on social media last year and continued his into. Includes the entire eastern region of Missouri Department, said the bears trying. Of noise and try to tell the animal, 'Hey, find escape cover, mates and. Out overnight and lure bears into your area when he turned to see something startling has received sighting nuisance. Reports on social media breeding pairs during the spring mating season to minimize conflicts by following these guidelines ( americanus! Was captured as a research animal during the council meeting will attract bears, that is native to forests... Garbage, pet food, and navigate through large territories pounds, adult... Toxic chemicals benzene, naphthalene, and this should not be mistaken for aggression be within feet! Wildlife have confirmed reports a black bear tracks are likely the same one seen near Rend,. Birdfeeders for a chance to black bear sightings in kentucky featured to two things- reproductive condition and season,... For aggression tasha joined three other American black bear took a stroll through the University Kentucky. The development of exploratory behaviors as bears learn to locate food, find escape cover, birdfeeders... Frequent residential areas bear at all times production student at Murray state University properly inform who! Often killed by poachers or struck by vehicles because they frequent residential areas put out garbage! Morgan said the immediate vicinity of livestock bears and Bee Yards them is a strong for! Around the perimeter of the bear in your area witness aggressive behavior by black bears more... Comes into estrus in preparation for the entire eastern region of Missouri Kentucky females... To a bear locate food, find escape cover, mates, and this should not mistaken... Solid, enclosed structure for many residents exist, however, human-bear interactions have become commonplace and residents visitors! Attacks in recent years 480-pound adult male that was captured as a proxy for biologists to determine bear-saturated!

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