News Release

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 10, 2009

Young Black Bear on the Move in Warren County

Wildlife biologists monitoring young black bear currently roaming in Waynesville area

 
XENIA, OH – A small black bear, probably a one and a half year-old, is currently wandering in the Warren County area according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Biologists tracking this bear believe it is a young male on a quest to establish its own territory. As bear populations expand in neighboring states, Ohio will see Buckeye bear populations continue to increase.

Southwest Ohioans have recently enjoyed a very rare and fortunate opportunity of seeing a state endangered black bear. This particular bear was reported in Adams, Brown, Highland, Clinton, and Warren counties, like most, is traversing southwest Ohio, searching for a place to call home. During the months of May, June, and July, young male black bears disperse to find their own territory. “Yearling dispersal” occurs when an adult female bear (referred to as a sow) boots her one and a half year-old cub out of the family unit so she can breed and raise a new litter of cubs. Young females have smaller ranges and seldom venture as far as males to establish territories.

Black bears are not aggressive animals by nature, but still should not be approached by humans. Black bears rarely become nuisances. Most problems occur when these burly creatures associate humans with food, so simple steps such as taking pet food and garbage in at night, cleaning up around the barbeque grill, and removing bird feeders for the time-being can help folks avoid problems with bears and even other species of wildlife too. This young bear has caused no reported damage on its travels in southwest Ohio.

Efforts to monitor the Ohio black bear have been supported by the Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species fund, which receives donations from Ohioans through the state income tax check-off program and by the purchase of cardinal license plates.

The black bear is protected by state law. For more about Ohio’s wildlife diversity, visit the Division’s web page at www.wildohio.com .The public is encourage to report sightings of black bears in Ohio. Pictures and video readily accepted as well. Contact Wildlife District Five in Xenia at 937-372-9261 or the 1-800-Wildlife communications center with sightings. The public is asked to refer all calls to the Division of Wildlife and not local law enforcement.  At no time should a person attempt to feed, attract or divert the bear. Let the bear continue on its way and enjoy a brief glimpse of one of Ohio’s most fascinating mammals.  

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