Boardman talk offered advice about black bear sightings

BOARDMAN

The frequently misunderstood black bear is the type of creature that would much rather flee from a situation than engage in confrontation.

It’s also an animal that, despite its intimidating teeth and claws, and its large size, is mostly shy and nonaggressive, choosing to defend itself only when cornered or startled.

And the best way to end a black bear’s pesky recurring visits? The answer is very rarely for officials to immobilize the bear with drug-laced darts. Simply remove whatever’s attracting the creature — usually bird feeders and garbage — and it will move on.

All of the above facts about the black bear, and a number of others, were shared during a free public program about the endangered animal and its increased presence in Ohio on Thursday at Boardman Park’s Lariccia Family Community Center. About 30 people attended the hourlong program, led by Bryan Kay, a private lands biologist with District 3 of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife.

“We don’t want people to panic when they see a black bear,” Kay said. “Education goes a long way.”

Timing for the program couldn’t have been better.

Learn more about the black bear and this event in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.