black bear sightings in kentucky

fight or actually fight with another bear. Bears are often up in trees and you may walk right by them without ever noticing. Ward is unsure if its the same one seen near Rend Lake, but he did say bears can travel a lot. The KDFWR has trapped bears and moved them 10, 20 even 55 air miles away and they still find their way home. Tasha was roaming around in MarchRogers said, but then we had an unusually warm March. Bears have an incredible sense of smell and are likely being lured by some type of food attractant. As human development continues and bear numbers increase, however, interactions will be unavoidable. These animals are very opportunistic feeders and this adaptation allows them to thrive in so many varied habitats and climates. Black bears are solitary animals with the exception of individual family units or breeding pairs during the June-July breeding season. Reports have been made of black bear sighting in Caldwell County. He graduated from Hopkinsville High School in 2019. CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) Charleston Area Medical Center is warning its employees and patients to be cautious after a bear sighting at one of their Kanawha City locations. When this occurs, bears may become habituated to people and lose their natural fear of humans, which creates potentially dangerous situations. On the ground, black bears are equally powerful as they may run at speeds approaching 35 miles per hour for relatively short bursts. All rights reserved. This sighting provides an opportunity for Hoosiers in the area to secure outdoor grills, trashcans, or pet and bird food," he said. Currently, black bears are the most abundant and widespread of all eight bear species in the world. The sad truth, however, is that food-conditioned and habituated bears live considerably shorter lives as a result of so much time spent near people. In addition, bears have become increasingly common in McCreary and surrounding counties expanding outward from junction of the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (BSF). Hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and camping areas provide ample opportunities to spot these animals in their natural habitats. Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and are known to raid trash cans, gardens, and even pet food bowls in search of food. Officials do not want to push hungry bears further south if they run into an unbreakable trash can, Reynoso said. Store birdfeed inside or in a sturdy, enclosed structure. There is no reason that you should ever be within 150 feet of a bear. April 14, 2023 4:25 PM. Photo courtesy Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. To report a bear sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife or 1-800-25-ALERT. Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Black bears are rarely aggressive towards people and typically go out of their way to avoid contact. What residents are seeing is typical black bear behavior, Rich added. Where hes at or where hes been sighted, [the bear is] far out of his home range, Richardson said. The heaviest wild black bear ever reliably documented was an 880-pound, 10-year old male that was harvested on the coast of North Carolina in the fall of 1998. Litter size is also affected by the saturation of bears within a habitat. Black bears den for the winter months and typically emerge in late March or early April. Richardson said sending out news releases allows the state to properly inform Kentuckians who may regularly see false reports on social media. Make your presence known by yelling at the bear and slowly back away without turning your back. Sign up for Kentucky Living updates Bears often stand up to see what is happening Weve got a really healthy bear population in our mountain counties, Hast said. He said those calls included 17 incidents in which bears entered homes and caused property damage. Ward said, from what he can tell, the bear is about 1 or 2 years old. Animals exhibiting those behaviors are doing so because they have either been fed or have learned to feed on improperly stored garbage or pet food. Residents and visitors to Kentucky need to be responsible, so negative behaviors in bears are not encouraged. They are skilled hunters and feed on a diet of small mammals, insects, and amphibians. If you insist on feeding birds, minimize potential damage by hanging birdfeeders on a pulley system at least 8 feet above the ground. Kentuckys state parks, scattered throughout the state, also offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. These areas are carefully managed to provide habitats for various wildlife species like white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, and other mammals. Kentucky, located in the eastern United States, is home to a diverse range of wildlife species that thrive in its forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Bears are powerful animals and they may damage property in their pursuit of human-related foods. Chief Communications Officer Kevin Kelly They are slow-moving creatures that spend much of their time on land, foraging for food and seeking shelter in the undergrowth. The department explained why the bear may be wandering: "It is not unusual in the early summer for young male bears to wander well outside of the established bear range in eastern Kentucky. In Kentucky, females typically enter dens from mid-November to December. CALDWELL COUNTY, Ky. (KFVS) - Photos show an apparent bear sighting near Princeton, Kentucky. Sightings in Kentucky are relatively rare, but they are a thrilling sight for nature enthusiasts who are fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures in the wild. As author Linda Masterson says in Living with Bears: With the black bear population healthy or growing across much of the continent, and people populations on the increase as well, people and black bears are encountering each other more often. Thats why Hast and bear biologists in 20 Southeastern states have created Bearwise.org. The best thing to do is identify the attractant and remove the source. In addition, black bears have an incredible homing instinct and can travel amazing distances in relatively short periods of time. They are often seen grazing in open areas or darting through the trees with their graceful leaps. The heaviest wild black bear ever reliably documented was an 880-pound, 10-year old male that was harvested on the coast of North Carolina in the fall of 1998. That's when you would want to get big and get loud and scream and wave your arms in the air," Rich said. Realize that Many state parks have designated wildlife viewing areas, nature trails, and interpretive programs that allow visitors to learn about and observe the states wild animals. Mother bear and cubs - Photo by Dave Maehr. Hast thinks thats exactly what happened to this guy, spotted in Jessamine County over the weekend: This looks like about a 2-year-old bear, Hast said. After spring emergence, the mother will run off the yearling bears as she comes into estrus and prepares for the new breeding season. In the event of an attack, fight back using everything in your power - including fists, sticks, rocks, or any other debris. While the life expectancy of male bears is shorter than that of females, bears may live 1525 years in the wild. Since 1998, the KDFWR has received sighting and nuisance reports from 54 Kentucky counties. Black bears are powerful, large-bodied animals that grow to 46 feet in length when fully grown. Kentuckys bear population is typically limited to eastern Kentucky, but Richardson says younger bears sometimes wander west in the early summer. Officials with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife have confirmed reports a black bear was spotted in Webster County Wednesday. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Consequently, it is important to remember that it is the odor of food items that first lure bears near homes or neighborhoods. So, they tend to make a loop and end up where they started.. The copperhead snake (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a venomous snake that is common in Kentuckys woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. White-tailed deer are the most popular game animal in Kentucky, and hunting them is a cherished tradition for many residents. Number one, that is the breeding season for bears and males are traveling great distances in search of females. Burn grills clean after each use and keep themfree of grease. Running from a black bear will likely trigger a natural instinct to chase. Even so, there have been a handful of bear attacks in recent years. Another bear showed From the rolling hills of the Bluegrass region to the rugged mountains of eastern Kentucky, state parks provide diverse habitats. Black bears are known for their stocky bodies, shaggy coats, and iconic crescent-shaped ears. When the acorns drop this fall, theyll want to be in a naturally wooded area which is what eastern Kentucky has, Hast said. Unless garbage is properly stored another bear will move in and the problem will start all over again. Bear sightings in Sierra Madre have increased in recent years, and city officials say they want the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to change its WebOnce abundant throughout the United States, the historic range of the American black bear (Ursus americanus) was significantly reduced by habitat loss and fragmentation. Use solar chargers as a power source if bee yards are left unattended for extended periods. Black bears are known for their stocky bodies, shaggy coats, and iconic crescent-shaped ears. Kentuckys wildlife management areas are managed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. To report a bear sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife or 1-800-25-ALERT. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is a familiar and charismatic mammal found throughout Kentuckys woodlands and urban areas. Bear sightings are on the rise in Kentucky. HOPKINS COUNTY, Ky. (WEHT) Another bear sighting has been confirmed in western Kentucky, according to State Fish & Wildlife officials. Photos of the bear in Caldwell County, Kentucky were taken The remainder of their diet typically consists of insects and any animal material discovered while foraging. Direct or indirect feeding of black bears is illegal in Kentucky!. The important thing to remember when dealing with nuisance behaviors, however, is that problem bears are not born- they are a product of their environment. This is just a way for us to verify for people. Data collected by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) clearly illustrate that most conflicts result from intentional feeding, or access to other human-related sources such as garbage, pet food, livestock feed, and birdfeeders. Exercise caution and drive safely, as wildlife can sometimes cross roads unexpectedly. Why are teen girls in crisis? Do not play dead! Rogers said in generalKentucky bearsden up 2 months laterthan those in Minnesota,andKentucky bearsdo not go into such a deep hibernation. If a person does encounter a bear in the wild, it's best to back away with hands at the hips and leave the bear an open escape route, Rich said. Visitors may spot deer, squirrels, turkeys, raccoons, and black bears. If you draw a diagonal line from Cumberland County to Lewis County, you will find that these counties have a resident bear population, some sparse and some robust.. Interactions between humans and bears have increased over the last four years, with more people reporting bears foraging for food and entering homes, city officials said. Black bears are very curious animals and this should not be confused with aggression. As breeding happens, young males get bounced out and tend to pop up in places across the bluegrass.. Even worse, their new problem is of absolutely no fault of their own but they are stuck with the consequences. Best in Kentucky Destination Highlight Great Outdoors Kentucky Eats Worth The Trip, Byron Crawford Commonwealths Gadgets & Gizmos Kentucky Kids Smart Health Uniquely Kentucky, Incentives & Rebates Business Spotlight Co-op Community Co-Operations Co-ops Care Cutting Cost Energy Guides KAEC CEO Our Power Safety Moment. If you do encounter a bear, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife urges you to keep a safe distance and never approach the bear. If that lure is strong enough, and food is successfully obtained, then bears may very likely make it a habit to visit those types of areas for food. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife maintains an extensive amount of information about black bears on its website. The bear's sighting isn't a cause for alarm but a time for residents to prepare to avoid negative interactions with the animal if it does cross into Indiana, said Brad Westrich, a nongame mammalogist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. If cornered or threatened, bears may slap the ground, pop their jaws or huff as a warning. Kelly says black bears have a natural fear of people and adverse encounters with people are extremely rare. Female black bears typically reach sexual maturity at three years of age, depending upon their physical condition. The Return of the Grizzly: Could Minnesota See These Creatures Once Again? In Kentucky, adult females usually weigh between 120170 pounds, while adult males average 250350 pounds. Illinois Wild Animals Spotting: Where to Go? Locate calving grounds away form forest edges, and enclose with electric fencing if possible. These bushy-tailed rodents are known for their acrobatic leaps from tree to tree and their habit of burying nuts to eat during the winter months. Following these simple guidelines will enable you to minimize human-bear conflicts and help the KDFWR better manage our growing bear population. In the last decade, four "bear-human interactions" in and around the city limits have been reported, according to James Carlson, a city analyst. On Monday, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife biologists confirmed bear tracks in southern Henderson County. This is especially true for chicken coops that may be easily entered by a bear. Favorite insect items include grubs and underground yellow jacket nests, which bears often dig up to consume this protein-rich food source. No visual sightings were reported from 19951997. Its a nice drive, Hast says, with exceptional views from north to south. Make sure the bear has a clear escape route. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife confirms bear tracks have been spotted in southern Henderson County. In a recent news release, state biologists confirmed reports of bear tracks in Princeton last Monday, a bear sighting near Dixon on Wednesday and a sighting in WYMT received videos Wednesday from David and Sharon Kennedy of a bear approaching and climbing onto their porch in Cumberland. All bear species have an incredible sense of smell. This behavior is the same as giving your pet a food reward for successfully completing a repetitive task. Instead, the proper storage of human-related foods and never feeding bears is the key. That's just south of Clark County, Indiana, along the Ohio River and because bears are strong swimmers officials said it may cross the river into Indiana, the News and Tribune reported. the largest bear handled in Kentucky was a 480-pound adult male that was captured as a research animal during the summer of 2008. CALDWELL COUNTY, Ky. (KFVS) - Photos show an apparent bear sighting near Princeton, Kentucky. Hell eventually make his way back to the mountains.. The bears appear emboldened and have caused property damage and eaten livestock. Indiana Wildlife Encounters: Where to Go to See Wild Animals? Their current range also includes the entire eastern region of the Commonwealth along the Southern Appalachian Mountains bordering Virginia and West Virginia. The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife has confirmed that the bear has been spotted north of Prospect, Kentucky. By following these simple guidelines for managing attractants you can prevent unnecessary damage. According to officials with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, there has been an increase in the numbers of black bears within the area, making it a common occurrence compared to previous years. In addition to contributing to the likely death of that bear, you are also breaking the law. Research shows that male bears range over areas from 200500 km2; that is an area of approximately 77193 square miles! The parks ranger-led programs and hiking trails provide opportunities to learn about the parks wildlife and observe these animals in their natural habitats. The amended bill, Senate Bill 242, wouldnt allow local floodplain administrators to use the Indiana Department of Natural Resources maps to grant construction permits for two years unless landowners request them. When camping in bear country, keep all food stored in a vehicle or away from tents. Eastern gray squirrels are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, from dense forests to suburban neighborhoods. When they emerge from dens, natural foods are scarce and often bears are lured by the smell of human-related foods. Male black bears are known to wander great distances, Morgan said. 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All rights reserved. That is especially true if there is ready access to garbage or other human-related food sources during the winter months. We've all heard of the bear sightings in Western Kentucky. It was big news because central Kentuckians are not accustomed to seeing bears in their neighborhoods. With claws seldom greater than 1.5 inches in length, black bears are actually the most efficient climbers of all the worlds eight bear species. Although reports of bear and mountain lions commonly occur in the area, most are normally dismissed as hoaxes. Any sightings of this bear should be immediately reported either to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife by calling 1-800-858-1549 during business hours, or to local law enforcement. "Make a lot of noise and try to tell the animal, 'Hey! The department said these sightingsfollow other recent reports in the region. Visitors to Land Between the Lakes may encounter white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, eastern box turtles, and various bird species. Black bears are wide-ranging and relatively long lived animals. When bears are intentionally fed, they learn to associate people with food and lose their natural fear of humans. The potential does exist, however, so we encourage landowners to minimize conflicts by following these guidelines. Bill to allow Indiana counties to use outdated flood maps passes state House, Eli Lilly breaks ground on $3.7 billion investment in Boone County, Richmond residents told they can return home, firefighters still checking for hotspots. If you see those behaviors you are too close! If you do see a black bear, keep a safe distance. The research focused on nearly 9 million acres of the Big South Fork area of Kentucky and Tennessee, and southeastKentucky and northeast Tennessee, according to Josh Alston, the UT graduate student who led the study. What to See? Bears keep to themselves for the most part, except for male bears during mating season. The site is filled with information about black bearswhich can be black, brown or cinnamon coloredand what to do if you encounter one. Kentucky is home to a growing bear population that offers frequent and widespread viewing opportunities in the wild. You can find more information Bears wandered back into Kentucky after wildlife officials moved bears to nearby areas of Virginia and Tennessee, making homes in forests that grew up on areas Photo courtesy Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Unfortunately, bears can become so tolerant and bold around people that issues of human safety arise. Rogers said Tasha has adjusted well to her life at theCenter. John Hast, bear program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, says with a little luck, you can see a bear on the Little Shepherd Trail, a winding mountain roadway that runs from Whitesburg to Kingdom Come State Park. He says its not unusual in the early summer for young male bears to wander well outside of their established bear range in eastern Kentucky. Females give birth to one to five cubs, with an average litter size of two. Dont approach the bear, dont shoot the bear, you know, the bear is just passing through, he said. Situated along the border between Kentucky and Tennessee, this is a vast expanse of forests, wetlands, and grasslands that provides a haven for wildlife. While black bears can be tolerant of people, they should always be treated as the wild animals they are, whether in a residential or backcountry area. Help prevent safety concerns by following these guidelines. Bears in Kentucky usually den in rock cavities, hollow trees, or open dens in thick brush piles. Bears wandered back into Kentucky after wildlife officials moved bears to nearby areas of Virginia and Tennessee, making homes in forests that grew up on areas logged earlier. Offspring remain with their mother for the entire year after birth and generally throughout the second denning season. Immediately report any instances of people feeding bears to the KDFWR by calling 1-800-25ALERT (1-800-252-5378). Surround bee yards with at least 2 strands of electric fencing, with the lowest wire no more than 15 inches from the ground. They want nothing to do with people, which is great, Hast said. Bears will almost always find an escape route if they are left alone. While the core population is concentrated along the Pine, Cumberland, and Black Mountain areas, bears may now be found throughout the eastern portions of the Commonwealth. Chief Communications Officer Kevin Kelly tells the News Edge the bear was sighted near Dixon after biologists confirmed bear tracks in southern Henderson County earlier this week. They have conducted other studies to collect hair samples, which are used to study bear genetics. Its not pandemic related, said John Hast with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. But these wild animals might be more hungry than the average houseguest. Inside the den of a radio collared female black bear. It is suspected that growing bear numbers in McCreary County are the likely result of population expansion from the BSF in Tennessee, which was home to an experimental release of 14 female bears from Great Smoky Mountains National Park from 19961997. Store livestock feed inside a sturdy, enclosed structure. The black bear (Ursus americanus) is a large and powerful mammal that is native to Kentuckys forests and mountains. Have a question? This is why fall food abundance prior to denning, primarily in the form of acorns, is critical for black bears in the Southern Appalachians. They are known for their playful behavior and are a popular sight at bird feeders in many Kentucky homes. Food-conditioned bears live considerably shorter lives than wild bears. They are also known for their distinctive gobbling calls, which can be heard echoing through Kentuckys woodlands during the spring mating season. Feeding bears creates behaviors in those animals that are almost impossible to correct. Kentucky Black Bear Sightings. He says this will tell researchers how the population has changed over time since bears were reintroduced in the Big South Fork in 1996-97. A young male American black bear took a stroll through the University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip into downtown Lexington. So, they tend to make a loop and end up where they started. To report a bear sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife or 1-800-25-ALERT. Lobby your local municipal government for the use of bear-resistant containers. And remember that even one person intentionally or unintentionally feeding bears will cause problems for an entire neighborhood. This second trait is referred to as habituation to humans, and it is simply a loss of their natural fear of people. If you see a black bear from a distance, alter your route of travel. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources personnel have been looking at bear numbers since the early 2000s, according to Hast. Black bears are very curious animals and this should not be confused with Kelly says residents of an area where a bear has been spotted should secure their garbage in a garage or other building, not leave pet food or bird feed outside and clean and store barbecue grills. They are specifically designated for wildlife conservation and offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Where to go to see wild animals might be more hungry than the average houseguest 1 2. Kentucky, females typically enter dens from mid-November to December lure bears near or... Wander great distances, Morgan said near homes or neighborhoods sexual maturity at three years of age, upon! To provide habitats for various Wildlife species like white-tailed deer are the most abundant and widespread viewing opportunities the. His trip into downtown Lexington 55 air miles away and they still find their home... Throughout Kentuckys woodlands and urban areas development continues and bear numbers since the early summer a! Forests to suburban neighborhoods behavior, Rich added bears were reintroduced in the south... Source if bee yards with at least 8 feet above the ground also offer opportunities for Wildlife.! 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