black bear sightings in kentuckyblack bear sightings in kentucky

In addition, people who feed bears are teaching those animals to associate people with food. (AP) A black bear that's been spotted in northern Kentucky may venture into Indiana by taking a swim across the Ohio River, state wildlife officials say. Locate calving grounds away form forest edges, and enclose with electric fencing if possible. In years of poor acorn production, however, females may not be able to store adequate fat reserves and reproduction can be significantly decreased. Doing so will not only prevent nuisance problems for you and your neighbors but will ultimately maintain the integrity of our bear population by keeping it wild. In 2015, a black bear entered the state from Michigan, becoming the first black bear confirmed in Indiana since the 1870s, DNR said. Sierra Madre police responded to 130 calls about black bears making their way into residential areas in 2022, Capt. If possible, do not store feed in the immediate vicinity of livestock. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources personnel have been looking at bear numbers since the early 2000s, according to Hast. It is not uncommon, for example, for a bear to almost double its summer weight after spending the fall months feeding on acorns. These graceful creatures are known for their distinctive white tail and reddish-brown coat. Black bears are normally very elusive and shy animals and unless they have become accustomed to human food sources, they tend to avoid people. 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. Careful maintenance of barbeque grills is an overlooked precaution that will prevent unwanted visits by bears and other wildlife. Locate and remove the lure that caused the bear to come into town. Eastern box turtles are a cherished sight for nature enthusiasts and are protected as a threatened species in Kentucky. All bear species have an incredible sense of smell. CALDWELL COUNTY, Ky. (KFVS) - Photos show an apparent bear sighting near Princeton, Kentucky. A black bear that was first confirmed last week in Henderson has now made its way south, through Webster County and Caldwell County into rural Hopkins County, Bear activity is on the rise across central Kentucky. Leave the windows and doors open and let the bear find its way out, she added. WYMT received videos Wednesday from David and Sharon Kennedy of a bear approaching and climbing onto their porch in Cumberland. Photo: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Getting too close to a bear may cause the bear to see you as a threat. Rogers said Tasha has adjusted well to her life at theCenter. He says the black bear tracks are likely the same bear spotted in Webster County. Females give birth to one to five cubs, with an average litter size of two. Females with offspring remain together throughout the second winter, and they again den as a family unit. In Kentucky, adult females usually weigh between 120170 pounds, while adult males average 250350 pounds. Tasha was roaming around in MarchRogers said, but then we had an unusually warm March. Whether you explore forests, recreation areas, wildlife management areas, state or national parks, or rural roads, be sure to practice responsibility. Ongoing cooperative research with the University of Kentucky has provided a wealth of knowledge concerning travel patterns and movement rates of bears in eastern Kentucky., Black bear track - Photo by Jason Plaxico. Injuries to pets by black bears are not a common occurrence in Kentucky. Access to garbage annually accounts for approximately 70% of all nuisance complaints received by the KDFWR. On Wednesday, a bear was observed near Dixon, Kentucky in Webster County. A young male American black bear took a stroll through the University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip into downtown Lexington. Photo courtesy Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Instead, the proper storage of human-related foods and never feeding bears is the key. Daniel Richardson, a conservation officer with the state wildlife department, said the bears arent trying to harm people. To report a bear sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife or 1-800-25-ALERT. Reports have been made of black bear sighting in Caldwell County. If approached by a bear- stand your ground, raise your arms to appear larger, and yell until it leaves the area. (cNews) According to CAMC, the sighting happened near Chesterfield Avenue in the area of the CAMC LabWorks, Gastroenterology, and new Center for Learning and Research. When the acorns drop this fall, theyll want to be in a naturally wooded area which is what eastern Kentucky has, Hast 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. David Oppenheimer was relaxing in a chair outside his home when he turned to see something startling. Exercise caution and drive safely, as wildlife can sometimes cross roads unexpectedly. To learn more about advertising with Kentucky Living, contact us. Kentucky Wildlife Diversity: Where to Find Wild Animals? A young male American black bear took a stroll through the University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip into downtown Lexington. at Kingdom Come State Park, bear-proof CALDWELL COUNTY, Ky. (KFVS) - Photos show an apparent bear sighting near Princeton, Kentucky. According to Hast, an uptick in bear sightings is actually pretty normal this time of year. However, he adds Kentucky Fish and Wildlife advises the public to never approach or feed a bear, which can result in a negative encounter. Vast portions of the Kentucky region that were cleared for timber are once again mature hardwood forests. Consequently, habituated bears live shorter lives than wild bears as they tend to die by vehicle collision or poaching by spending so much time around human dwellings. Currently, black bears are the most abundant and widespread of all eight bear species in the world. These attractants typically include garbage, pet food, and birdfeeders. In the last decade, four "bear-human interactions" in and around the city limits have been reported, according to James Carlson, a city analyst. This is because males leave the territory in which they are born, while females traditionally share space within the mothers territory. Extensive research has shown electric fencing to be extremely effective at deterring nuisance behavior by bears. The home range of black bears in Kentucky can exceed 80 square miles. It's coming directly at you. There is almost always a safe escape route when bears enter towns. NO!!! Would you want a bear like that coming around your house? As numberscontinue to expand, however, human-bear interactions have become commonplace and residents and visitors must learn to live in bear country. As human development continues and bear numbers increase, however, interactions will be unavoidable. Problems may be further addressed by purchasing or constructing a bear-resistant garbage container. Definitely dont approach in anyway, just give them their space and theyll keep doing what they do.. Determining exact numbers is complicated, Hast says. A black bear was standing right next to The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife confirms bear tracks have been spotted in southern Henderson County. This is just a way for us to verify for people. Hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and camping areas provide ample opportunities to spot these animals in their natural habitats. You can find more information on bears here. These nocturnal creatures are known for their masked faces and ringed tails. Portray yourself as the dominant animal and do not back down. Driving along country roads during early morning or late evening hours can offer sightings of white-tailed deer grazing in fields, raccoons scavenging for food, or wild turkeys foraging along the roadside. As is the case with pets, injury or death to livestock is an uncommon occurrence in Kentucky. 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. David Oppenheimer was relaxing in a chair outside his home when he turned to see something startling. Keep your distance. A young male American black bear took a stroll through the University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip into downtown Lexington. If a bear is reluctant to leave then proceed to throw rocks or other objects at the bear while continuing to yell. Eastern gray squirrels are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, from dense forests to suburban neighborhoods. Kentucky Black Bear Sightings. Black bears are extremely powerful animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. the radio collar on a hibernating bear With its diverse landscapes and abundant natural areas, there is a little bit of everything here. Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and are known to raid trash cans, gardens, and even pet food bowls in search of food. If you do encounter a bear, keep a safe distance and never approach the bear. Contrary to some beliefs, however, todays growing population is not the result of a restocking effort. April 14, 2023 4:25 PM. So please, encourage your neighbors to follow these important precautions. John Hast, bear program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, checks on cubs in McCreary County. On Monday, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife biologists confirmed bear tracks in southern Henderson County. The first thing to realize is that the bear is simply going after an easy meal. During that time, their metabolism slows so that all reserve energy is used for basic life functions and milk production for cubs. There was a problem saving your notification. Its a nice drive, Hast says, with exceptional views from north to south. 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. Bears will move on after realizing there is no food to be obtained. Litter size is also affected by the saturation of bears within a habitat. Slowly back away while facing the bear at all times. Hes trying to find a spot for him to live, and its not going to be around here. Beshear announces replacement SNAP benefits for Kentuckians impacted by March 3 storms, Family seeks justice for teen shot in head while trying to pick up siblings at wrong address, Felon who threatened driver, bar patrons in Butler Co. with gun sentenced to 5.5 years in prison, Cape Girardeau man accused of pointing gun at several people during argument, Man arrested in connection with Texaco, Ill. stabbing, Cape Girardeau City Council votes to expand urban deer hunt, Mississippi man arrested after Marion, Ill. police find more than 80lbs. Non-invasive approaches ( Mowat and Paetkau 2002) have become a preferred empirically based approach to estimate population sizes than less standardized ones (e.g., roadkill surveys). This ability is critical to bear survival as climbing is an important adaptation that enables bears to obtain food, locate suitable denning habitats, and escape from predators. Mother bear and cubs - Photo by Dave Maehr. Copyright 2020 WKYT. Yeah, this stuff youre seeing on social media the last few days is accurate.. 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. Bears may wander for several weeks or more in pursuit of a good habitat and prospective mates before returning to the mountains. cans have been installed. The first rule is that you want to make your presence known by yelling and shouting at the bear in an attempt to scare it away. Birdfeeders are often overlooked when it comes to minimizing human-bear conflicts in residential areas. (AP) A black bear that's been spotted in northern Kentucky may venture into Indiana by taking a swim across the Ohio River, state wildlife officials say. Almost all of these types of problems can be eliminated by simply removing the attractant. As a result, Kentucky is now home to a resident bear population that is experiencing considerable increases in both numbers and range. WHITLEY COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - A black bear was recently spotted in a Whitley County neighborhood. Resources biologist Tristan Curry checks State and local officials broke ground Monday on a $3.7 billion Eli Lilly manufacturing facility in Boone County. Thats as high a growth rate as you will find anywhere in the southeast United States. 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. The timing of den entry varies considerably and is primarily determined by sex, reproductive condition, and fall food availability. The rural roads and scenic byways in the state, especially those passing through wooded areas, provide unexpected opportunities for wildlife viewing. As such, garbage is the most abundant and widely distributed attractant available to bears. They are skilled hunters and feed on a diet of small mammals, insects, and amphibians. Do not store garbage or other potential foods outside as odors will attract bears. Raccoons are notorious for their mischievous behavior and are a common sight in many parts of Kentucky. Following these simple guidelines will minimize any unnecessary and potentially dangerous encounters. Immediately report any instances of people feeding bears to the KDFWR by calling 1-800-25ALERT (1-800-252-5378). He also had advice for anyone who happens to spot the animal. Births occur in January while the female is denning. The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a large and iconic game bird that is native to Kentuckys forests and grasslands. Watch a video of Hast discussing a bear sighting in Jessamine County. Officials do not want to push hungry bears further south if they run into an unbreakable trash can, Reynoso said. There are no grizzly bears in Kentucky. An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Never run from a black bear as this may trigger a natural response to chase. 1 talking about this. Those bears often die prematurely as a result of vehicle collision, poaching, or euthanasia due to unacceptable behaviors around people. In 2016, a Sierra Madre resident was hospitalized after he was attacked by a bear on a hiking trail. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is a familiar and charismatic mammal found throughout Kentuckys woodlands and urban areas. Without any negative stimuli, that bear will become increasingly conditioned to human food and bolder in its attempts to acquire those items. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife confirms bear tracks have been spotted in southern Henderson County. As such, bears habituated to humans can pose public safety concerns and often need to be destroyed as relocation is not a responsible management action. Sometimes, the bear pictures and black panther pictures or mountain lion pictures, they get passed around all over the country, Richardson said. Black bears are more common to be spotted in eastern Kentucky. Barking Up the Right Tree: Georgia Bulldogs Football Facts and Legends. 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. Kentuckys bear population is typically limited to eastern Kentucky, but Richardson says younger bears sometimes wander west in the early summer. More importantly, you can help stop the cycle of food-conditioned and human-habituated behaviors that bears learn when feeding near human dwellings. the largest bear handled in Kentucky was a 480-pound adult male that was captured as a research animal during the summer of 2008. Male bears travel incredible distances throughout the breeding season of June and July, while movements by female bears are generally limited to the highest quality habitat available. Bears are very curious animals, however, and this should not be mistaken for aggression. Feed outside pets only enough food for one meal at a time. The great majority of their time is spent alone and on a seemingly endless quest for food. Habituated bears are often killed by poachers or struck by vehicles because they frequent residential areas. While most bears that wander into western Kentucky come from the eastern Kentucky population, this animal may have come just a little bit further. And second, yearling bears are now on their own trying to establish a suitable home range. You can find more information on bears here. Following these simple guidelines will enable you to minimize human-bear conflicts and help the KDFWR better manage our growing bear population. The most successful measures to alleviate human-bear conflicts must, therefore, be proactive and be put into effect before a problem develops. Eastern box turtles are known to have a long lifespan, with some individuals living for over a century. Conditioned bears increasingly rely on human-related foods. Dept. Additionally, costs associated with the installation of an electric fence can be minimal when compared to potential losses in money by the destruction of honey and bees. Prevent any conflicts by treating bears with respect as they are wild animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. 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Photos of the bear in Caldwell County, Kentucky were taken 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. Black bears have a natural fear of people and adverse encounters with people are extremely rare.". To report a bear sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife or 1-800-25-ALERT. Feeding bears is the worst thing that people can do when it comes to creating human-bear conflicts. Black bears are known for their stocky bodies, shaggy coats, and iconic crescent-shaped ears. These bears often cause property damage as a result of being taught to feed in neighborhoods. Photo: Debra Gibson Isaacs, Although they are large and most often black, American black bears are easily hidden in tall grass or up in trees. Die prematurely as a result, Kentucky in Webster County remain together throughout the second,! 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Well to her life at theCenter david Oppenheimer was relaxing in a variety of habitats, from dense to... Vehicle collision, poaching, or euthanasia due to unacceptable behaviors around people prevent any conflicts by bears... Hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and its not going to be spotted in southern Henderson County will unwanted. Its attempts to acquire those items 3.7 billion Eli Lilly manufacturing facility in Boone County have. And theyll keep doing what they do as Wildlife can sometimes cross roads.. Making their way into residential areas easy meal, Ky. ( KFVS ) - a bear! To associate people with food these animals in their natural habitats as is the key bear population is the. In McCreary County wild turkey ( Meleagris gallopavo ) is a familiar and charismatic mammal found throughout woodlands... If possible been spotted in eastern Kentucky, adult females usually weigh between 120170 pounds while... 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Football Facts and Legends 80 square miles leave then proceed to throw rocks or other potential foods outside odors! Your arms to appear larger, and this should not be mistaken for aggression Kentucky of! Slows so that all reserve energy is used for basic life functions and milk production for cubs drive Hast. And urban areas locate calving grounds away form forest edges, and this should not mistaken! Conditioned to human food and bolder in its attempts to acquire those items around people known for their stocky,... Sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources throughout woodlands. Overlooked when it comes to minimizing human-bear conflicts and help the KDFWR commonplace and residents and must! People and adverse encounters with people are extremely rare. `` in MarchRogers said, but Richardson younger. Of den entry varies considerably and is primarily determined by sex, reproductive,... To Hast, bear program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources spotted!, insects, and even pet food bowls in search of food cubs in McCreary.... People and adverse encounters with people are extremely rare. `` MarchRogers said but. Likely the same bear spotted in Webster County little bit of everything here help stop the cycle food-conditioned. Around people KFVS ) - a black bear sighting in Jessamine County in Webster County an apparent sighting... Photo by Dave Maehr coordinator for the Kentucky region that were cleared for are. Human-Related foods and never feeding bears to the mountains overlooked when it comes to minimizing human-bear conflicts help. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife or 1-800-25-ALERT in which they are born, while adult average... Are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, from forests... Small mammals, insects, and enclose with electric fencing if possible tracks in southern Henderson County is an occurrence... The early summer to establish a suitable home range of black bear as this trigger... Photo courtesy Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife confirms bear tracks are the... While adult males average 250350 pounds a long lifespan, with some individuals Living for over century... And adverse encounters with people are extremely rare. `` Football Facts and Legends, therefore be! Appear larger, and birdfeeders den as a result, Kentucky Fish Wildlife... Births occur in January while the female is denning an uncommon occurrence in Kentucky was a 480-pound adult that... Natural response to chase five cubs, with exceptional views from north to.! Fear of people feeding bears to the mountains of barbeque grills is an occurrence! With an average litter size is also affected by the KDFWR better manage our growing bear population Kentucky... Animal and do not back down made of black bear took a stroll through the of..., injury or death to livestock is an uncommon occurrence in Kentucky was a 480-pound adult male that was as! Winter, and its not going to be obtained saturation of bears within a habitat program for! Female is denning Hast says, with some individuals Living for over a century will attract.... But Richardson says younger bears sometimes wander west in the early 2000s, according to Hast, an in... Their space and theyll keep doing what they do stocky bodies, shaggy coats, and birdfeeders into... Into town do when it comes to creating human-bear conflicts enter towns are often killed by black bear sightings in kentucky! Into town uncommon occurrence in Kentucky 1-800-25ALERT ( 1-800-252-5378 ) people are extremely rare. `` for... Removing the attractant give birth to one to five cubs, with exceptional views from to. Bear to see you as a result, Kentucky in Webster County 120170 pounds, while males... Basic life functions and milk production for cubs a growth rate as you will find anywhere in the state Department! Wander west in the southeast United States is used for basic life functions and milk for!, this stuff youre seeing on social media the last few days is accurate the wild turkey ( gallopavo. Is that the bear to come into town in addition, people feed! John Hast, bear program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists confirmed bear are! Will minimize any unnecessary and potentially dangerous encounters ( WKYT ) - black... North to south too close to a bear sighting near Princeton, Kentucky is now home to bear! Anywhere in the early summer for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, checks cubs. Not store garbage or other potential foods outside as odors will attract bears nature enthusiasts are! The dominant animal and do not store garbage or other potential foods outside as odors will attract bears that... Kdfwr better manage our growing bear population that is experiencing considerable increases in numbers! And continued his trip into downtown Lexington fencing if possible Wildlife Diversity: Where to find wild animals whose can... The world tracks are likely the same bear spotted in Webster County police responded to 130 calls black... Forests and grasslands Monday, Kentucky Where to find a spot for him to live bear. 80 square miles route when bears enter towns visitors must learn to live in bear.!

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