Black bear struck by car on 224 in Poland

Staff report

POLAND

A black bear that was hit by a car Thursday on U.S. Route 224 hasn’t been seen since.

“We did track it for a little ways, and once it was in a wooded are, we lost it. No hair or blood was found, except at the crash site. We’re not sure if it’s OK or injured, but it was probably bedded down rest- ing, and we didn’t want to force it to run back toward the highway,” said Jamey Graham, spokeswoman for the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

The bear was hit about 8 p.m. Thursday by a car traveling about 55 mph on U.S. Route 224 near Luteran Lane. Police said a bear sighting on Struthers Road was reported Wednesday night, and another was reported on Howell Drive earlier Thursday.

Many bear sightings are reported in summer months, as young male bears in neighboring states are booted out of dens by their mothers and look to establish new territory, Graham said.

“They move westward where there’s less competition, and they see more humans, development and vehicles and become disoriented. That’s when they start traveling corridors, such as highways. It’s easy for them to travel those at night,” Graham said.

Bear sightings have been reported throughout the Mahoning Valley this spring and summer. Graham said it’s difficult for biologists to determine if it’s a single bear or more because bears can move far overnight.

“They are quick and move pretty fast,” she said.

As the temperatures rise, bears are more likely to bed in a shady area during the day and not move as much as they normally would, Graham said.

If local residents see a bear moving toward them, they should clap and shout to scare off the bear.

“Bears don’t like movement or loud noises. They really are like overgrown raccoons. They behave the same way,” Graham said. “Don’t turn and run. Just like a dog, it might instill a desire to chase. Please give the bears space.”

Residents also are asked to report where and when they saw the bear to the Division of Wildlife and can do so by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.