OHIO BLACK BEAR SIGHTINGS UP IN 2004
Forty-six confirmed sightings in 2004, compared to 18 in 2003
COLUMBUS, OH - Ninety-one black bear sightings were reported in 21Ohio counties last year, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Of that number, state wildlife personnel confirmed 46 of those sightings, more than twice the number confirmed in 2003.
The 46 confirmed sightings were in 16 counties and involved about 16 different black bears, the Division of Wildlife reported.
Overall, sightings occurred in every month but January and March, with most being reported in May, June and July, the peak of black bear breeding and dispersal of young male bears.
Thirty-four of the sightings involved damage or nuisance behavior, such as damage to bird feeders, beehives, and garbage containers, as well as consumption of pet food. An estimated 15 bears were involved in these cases.
Most of the 21 counties with bear sightings were in northeastern and southeastern Ohio. Trumbull County led the state reporting 17 sightings. Ashtabula and Geauga counties followed with 12 and 10 sightings, respectively. There were no reported sightings of sows with cubs.
In 2003, state wildlife officials confirmed 18 of a total 65 black bear sightings. The confirmed sightings were in 15 counties and involved about 15 different black bears. A record 165 sightings were reported in 2002.
The Division of Wildlife began formally keeping records of black bear observations in 1993. Since that time, bears have been confirmed present in 41 of Ohio’s 88 counties.
Efforts to monitor the 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 ohiodnr.com.