odnr | On black bears

odnr | On black bears

Ohio Department of Natural Resources reports the Buckeye State has a growing population of black bears, estimated from 50 to 100 individual bears.

Black bears range in size from 100 to 400 pounds, are 5 to 6 feet in length and average 3 feet high at the shoulder. The majority of bears in Ohio weigh between 125 to 250 pounds, and are juvenile male bears.

Young black bears, who have recently left their mothers, will travel great distances in search of new habitat and are most likely to be seen by or interact with humans. These bears are agile and are able to run up to 35 miles per hour, climb trees with ease and swim long distances.

Bears will eat a wide variety of foods including grasses, berries, mast from oak, hickory, and beech trees, carrion, and insect larvae. They also eat agricultural crops, if available.

Encounters: ODNR noted that black bears are usually fearful of people so attacks are rare. If you should see or encounter a bear, remain calm. Generally, black bears are non-aggressive and prefer to flee as soon as they are aware of your presence. If you encounter a bear, and it is not aware of your presence, back away from the area slowly. If the bear is aware of your presence and it does not leave the area, avoid direct eye contact with the animal, give the bear an easy escape route and back slowly away from the area. Avoid running or climbing trees, which may provoke a chase.

Bear-proof property: Black bears can cause significant damage while searching for an easy meal. Remove bird feeders and other wildlife feeders. Store trash containers in garage or secure container. Keep pet foods inside, especially at night. Clean barbecue grills after each use as bears may be attracted to grease smell and store grills in garages or sheds.

Source: wildlife.ohiodnr.gov