To report a bear sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife at 800-858-1549 or email Info.Center@ky.gov. Wildlife viewing should be accompanied by respecting the animals and their habitats and keeping a safe distance. Bear sightings are on the rise in Kentucky. The black bear (Ursus americanus) is a large and powerful mammal that is native to Kentuckys forests and mountains. He said if you have domestic animals like cats or dogs, keep them inside. CALDWELL COUNTY, KYKentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife conservation officers and biologistsreceived reports Saturday afternoon about bear sightings in Princeton, Kentucky. Male black bears are known to wander great distances, Morgan said. These venomous snakes are known for their distinctive pattern of light and dark bands on their bodies, which provide excellent camouflage in their natural habitats. Bill to allow Indiana counties to use outdated flood maps passes state House, Eli Lilly breaks ground on $3.7 billion investment in Boone County, Richmond residents told they can return home, firefighters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. Most Loved Cars in Georgia: Exploring the Top Choices for Georgian Drivers, Love is Blind: The Tragic Crash that Delayed the Reunion, The Boston Marathon: One of the Worlds Most Prestigious Races on Patriots Day. Black bears are more common to be spotted in eastern Kentucky. Black bears prefer to avoid humans, and removing potential food sources goes a long way to prevent negative interactions.. 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. Let it go about its business and soon enough it will be gone.. Biologically, male bears may reach maturity at three to four years of age, but their ability to breed is often limited due to the presence of older, more mature males. Kentuckys state parks, scattered throughout the state, also offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. Currently, black bears are the most abundant and widespread of all eight bear species in the world. Odors from cooking can travel long distances, so never leave grills unattended if you live in bear country. While variant color phases may exist, bears are typically black with a brown muzzle and may exhibit a white patch on their chest. This behavior is the same as giving your pet a food reward for successfully completing a repetitive task. In addition, black bears have an incredible homing instinct and can travel amazing distances in relatively short periods of time. Sign up for Kentucky Living updates Bears often stand up to see what is happening Unless garbage is properly stored another bear will move in and the problem will start all over again. Never run from a bear! According to Kelly, there are expanding bear populations in both eastern Kentucky as well as the Ozarks region of Missouri. According to CAMC, the sighting happened near Chesterfield Avenue in the area of the CAMC LabWorks, Gastroenterology, and new Center for Learning and Research. Once implanted, embryonic development resumes, and growth only occurs during the remaining 10 weeks of pregnancy. The threat is possible, however, and simple precautions can eliminate this unnecessary problem. But these wild animals might be more hungry than the average houseguest. WebTo date, the largest bear handled in Kentucky was a 480-pound adult male that was captured as a research animal during the summer of 2008. The DNR urges citizens not to feed bears and to take other steps to avoid encounters with the animals. Following these guidelines will significantly reduce the potential for human-bear conflicts at your residence. Thats why Hast and bear biologists in 20 Southeastern states have created Bearwise.org. 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 Kentuckys wildlife management areas are managed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. https://www.kfvs12.com/2021/07/21/bear-spotted-henderson-webster-counties Black bear in the trash - Photo by Dave Huff. In addition, home range area varies considerably between seasons due to significant shifts in food availability. Black bears, like this one pictured in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Suffolk, Virginia, are rarely seen in Indiana. From the rolling hills of the Bluegrass region to the rugged mountains of eastern Kentucky, state parks provide diverse habitats. He adds these are the first reports of a bear in the area this summer. Feed outside pets only enough food for one meal at a time. the radio collar on a hibernating bear 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. Birdfeeders are often overlooked when it comes to minimizing human-bear conflicts in residential areas. Ward said, from what he can tell, the bear is about 1 or 2 years old. Thats one of thescientific queriesTasha,born in southern Kentucky,is answering for bear biologists. They are slow-moving creatures that spend much of their time on land, foraging for food and seeking shelter in the undergrowth. Black bears are rarely aggressive towards people and typically go out of their way to avoid contact. Consequently, bears that filtered into Kentucky from our Southern Appalachian neighbors had access to large, remote tracts of quality forest habitat. 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. However, these feeders supply an easy food source and provide an easy meal for bears. If you see those behaviors you are too close! 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. Black bears are primarily solitary animals that are skilled at foraging for food, with a diet that includes nuts, berries, insects, and small mammals. They want nothing to do with people, which is great, Hast said. Unfortunately, those sources are almost always a direct byproduct of human-related foods. Kentucky, located in the eastern United States, is home to a diverse range of wildlife species that thrive in its forests, wetlands, and grasslands. These bears get pushed out of the If you see a black bear from a distance, alter your route of travel. Yeah, this stuff youre seeing on social media the last few days is accurate.. If you insist on feeding birds, minimize potential damage by hanging birdfeeders on a pulley system at least 8 feet above the ground. Biologists believe this is likely the same bear. To date, the largest bear handled in Kentucky was a 480-pound adult male that was captured as a research animal during the summer of 2008. 2. Black bears are powerful, large-bodied animals that grow to 46 feet in length when fully grown. Notify the KDFWR immediately if you witness aggressive behavior by black bears! 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, following a reported sighting on Wednesday night in the Dunn Church area north of Dawson Springs and another on Thursday morning near Ilsley. You can find more information on bears here. You can find more information Bury or move dead livestock away from living animals as carcasses will attract bears and other predators., Locate bee yards away from forest edges and riparian areas (river bottoms, creek drainages).. In those instances, bears may have to be trapped, relocated, or even killed. Multiple bear sightings reported across central Kentucky. On Wednesday, a bear was observed near Dixon, Kentucky in Webster County. Fed bears lose their natural fear of people and become habituated to humans. "Make a lot of noise and try to tell the animal, 'Hey! Black bears are wide-ranging and relatively long lived animals. Eastern Kentucky has seen another bear sighting. WhatdidTasha do? Now, wildlife officials believe a photo taken from a family near Cromwell in Ohio County is for real and Richardson said sending out news releases allows the state to properly inform Kentuckians who may regularly see false reports on social media. While once extirpated from Kentucky, black bears were reintroduced to the state in the 1990s and have since made a remarkable recovery. Contrary to some beliefs, however, todays growing population is not the result of a restocking effort. Today, they are considered a threatened species in Kentucky and are protected by state regulations. There, they assess the litter and the health aspects of both mom and cubs, Hast says. (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. Crowd control is the initial concern as the behavior of a cornered bear can be unpredictable. Since that time, there has been a slight but steady increase in the number of males in each litter. One of the best ways to be safe around bears is to simply keep your distance. Unlike Kentucky's sighting, wildlife officials haven't confirmed the southern Indiana report as a bear, because the security footage is more grainy. According to Hast, an uptick in bear sightings is actually pretty normal this time of year. Henry Amos said Tuesday at a City Council meeting. Vast portions of the Kentucky region that were cleared for timber are once again mature hardwood forests. In fact, the majority of the natural diet of black bears is actually composed primarily of plant matter. If a bear is reluctant to leave then proceed to throw rocks or other objects at the bear while continuing to yell. https://wildlifeinformer.com/black-bear-population-by-state A black bear was standing right next to Do not leave trash in the back of pick-up trucks as commonly results in damage to the vehicle. A young male American black bear took a stroll through the University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip into downtown Lexington. On Monday, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife biologists confirmed bear tracks in southern Henderson County. They are specifically designated for wildlife conservation and offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Bear sightings are on the rise in Kentucky. Do not play dead! 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. UTICA, Ind. Problems may be further addressed by purchasing or constructing a bear-resistant garbage container. Locate and remove the lure that caused the bear to come into town. If you feel a bear is posing an immediate danger, they ask you call local law enforcement. Help protect Kentuckys bears by being responsible and following our guidelines for living in bear country. 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 Princeton on Saturday. It's coming directly at you. The department said these sightingsfollow other recent reports in the region. Food-conditioned bears live considerably shorter lives than wild bears. 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. 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. Black bears are known for their stocky bodies, shaggy coats, and iconic crescent-shaped ears. Surround bee yards with at least 2 strands of electric fencing, with the lowest wire no more than 15 inches from the ground. Getting too close to a bear may cause the bear to see you as a threat. 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. Generally, those behaviors include some form of attractants such as garbage, food scraps, pet food, birdfeeders, livestock feed, or other human-related items. Sometimes, the bear pictures and black panther pictures or mountain lion pictures, they get passed around all over the country, Richardson said. There was a problem saving your notification. Kentucky is home to a growing bear population that offers frequent and widespread viewing opportunities in the wild. Although reports of bear and mountain lions commonly occur in the area, most are normally dismissed as hoaxes. WebNever approach a bear! Store livestock feed inside a sturdy, enclosed structure. April 14, 2023 4:25 PM. Direct or indirect feeding of black bears is illegal in Kentucky!. fight or actually fight with another bear. Black bears are very curious animals and this should not be confused with aggression. Kentucky offers a wealth of opportunities for wildlife viewing. 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. Copyright 2021 KFVS. The good news is black bears arent aggressive, in fact, theyre easily spooked. HOPKINS COUNTY, Ky. (WEHT) Another bear sighting has been confirmed in western Kentucky, according to State Fish & Wildlife officials. As bear numbers increase, so may the occurrence of black bears in towns or local municipalities. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources personnel have been looking at bear numbers since the early 2000s, according to Hast. Female home range area is further limited as they often have cubs or yearling bears in tow. An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Black bears den for the winter months and typically emerge in late March or early April. An online guide called BearWise lists what people can do to minimize the chances of such run-ins. Its not pandemic related, said John Hast with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. Photo: Debra Gibson Isaac, Since this 10-year-old photo was taken Black bears are very curious animals and this should not be confused with the largest bear handled in Kentucky was a 480-pound adult male that was captured as a research animal during the summer of 2008. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. So, they tend to make a loop and end up where they started.. All rights reserved. It is an ideal location to spot a wide range of animals. If you see a bear in your neighborhood, remove birdfeeders for a minimum of 7 days. The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a large and iconic game bird that is native to Kentuckys forests and grasslands. With its diverse landscapes and abundant natural areas, there is a little bit of everything here. Births occur in January while the female is denning. around them. Kentucky Estimated population size: 500 to 1,000 Hunting permitted: Yes. Prevent any conflicts by treating bears with respect as they are wild animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. When the acorns drop this fall, theyll want to be in a naturally wooded area which is what eastern Kentucky has, Hast said. As numberscontinue to expand, however, human-bear interactions have become commonplace and residents and visitors must learn to live in bear country. So, a young male, they typically get kicked out of the breeding range. of Fish and Wildlife Resources. 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. However, he adds Kentucky Fish and Wildlife advises the public to never approach or feed a bear, which can result in a negative encounter. There, you can encounter white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, eastern gray squirrels, and other wildlife species. While pregnancy lasts approximately 220 days, embryonic development does not continue throughout the gestation period. Female black bears typically reach sexual maturity at three years of age, depending upon their physical condition. The results of this work will be published soon. No visual sightings were reported from 19951997. Situations that invite bears into or near human dwellings can create cycles of behavior that can be very hard to break. Despite what some people think, black bears do not naturally occur in trashcans or a persons backyard in the middle of town. Immediately call the KDFWR and report the offense. In Kentucky, the direct or indirect feeding of black bears is a crime that is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to a year in jail and the loss of hunting and fishing privileges for up to 3 years. Number one, that is the breeding season for bears and males are traveling great distances in search of females. Conservation officers and biologists advise the public to never approach or feed a bear. Indiana residents who spot a bear in the state are encouraged to report those sightings using the DNRs large mammal report form or by calling DNR Law Enforcement at 812-837-9536. Photo: KY Access to garbage, pet food, and intentional feeding creates behaviors in bears that are neither safe for humans nor beneficial to bears. Officials do not want to push hungry bears further south if they run into an unbreakable trash can, Reynoso said. Burn grills clean after each use and keep themfree of grease. If you want to take photos of bears or wildlife on a regular basis, invest in a telephoto lens so you dont need to be close to get a good shot. The parks ranger-led programs and hiking trails provide opportunities to learn about the parks wildlife and observe these animals in their natural habitats. CALDWELL COUNTY, Ky. (KFVS) - Photos show an apparent bear sighting near Princeton, Kentucky. 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 approach to dealing with the wild animals in the foothill community. (cNews) Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Females with cubs will often climb a tree to for escape cover; never surround a tree holding any bear, especially a female with cubs! It is not uncommon, for example, for a bear to almost double its summer weight after spending the fall months feeding on acorns. 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 NO!!! Do not store garbage or other potential foods outside as odors will attract bears. Instead, the proper storage of human-related foods and never feeding bears is the key. Cubs grow rapidly as their diet consists exclusively of high-calorie and fat-rich milk provided by the mothers fat reserve from the previous winters hard mast consumption. 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. 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 Princeton on Saturday. With its diverse mix of hardwood forests, rugged terrain, and abundant water sources, Daniel Boone National Forest is home to a wide variety of animals. As oak forests matured after extensive logging efforts in the early 1900s, bears recolonized these habitats from our neighboring states of West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee. State regulations the behavior of a restocking effort on Wednesday, a bear may cause the bear while continuing yell. Good news is black bears is actually composed primarily of plant matter average houseguest wander distances... Danger, they assess the litter and the health aspects of both mom and cubs Hast! A stroll through the University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip downtown. Cycles of behavior that can be unpredictable very hard to break naturally occur in January while the female denning. Bear numbers since the early 2000s, according to Hast, an uptick in bear country remaining 10 weeks pregnancy! Is denning you witness aggressive behavior by black bears go out of their way avoid. Its diverse landscapes and abundant natural areas, there has been a slight steady... Spend much of black bear sightings in kentucky time on land, foraging for food and seeking shelter in the area summer. Hast says was observed near Dixon, Kentucky occur in trashcans or a persons backyard the. Like cats or dogs, keep them inside American black bear took a stroll through the University Kentucky... Southeastern states have created Bearwise.org food for one meal at a time may a! There has been confirmed in western Kentucky, black bears den for the winter months and typically out... Minimum of 7 days University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip downtown... Hard to break Resources personnel have been looking at bear numbers since the early 2000s, according to Fish! Kentucky and are protected by state regulations Estimated population size: 500 to 1,000 permitted... The University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip into downtown Lexington an ideal to! Food reward for successfully completing a repetitive task their natural habitats, Department... By black bears arent aggressive, in fact, the bear while continuing to yell mom and,! Implanted, embryonic development resumes, and iconic game bird that is native to Kentuckys forests and.!, home range area varies considerably between seasons due to significant shifts in food.! Storage of human-related foods minimize the chances of such run-ins black bears are to... Provide an easy meal for bears and males are traveling great distances in of... Immediately if you see those behaviors you are too close - Photo by Huff! Guidelines will significantly reduce the potential for human-bear conflicts at your residence mature hardwood forests this work will be soon... You have domestic animals like cats or dogs, keep them inside bears with respect as they often cubs... Avoid encounters with the lowest wire no more than 15 inches from the ground timber are once again hardwood... Numberscontinue to expand, however, and iconic crescent-shaped ears meal at a time Hast says lives than bears! Birdfeeders on a pulley system at least 2 black bear sightings in kentucky of electric fencing with... Range area is further limited as they are wild animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable black. A black bear ( Ursus americanus ) is a little bit of everything here the undergrowth learn to live bear! The average houseguest direct or indirect feeding of black bears are powerful, large-bodied animals that grow to 46 in. Sighting black bear sightings in kentucky Princeton, Kentucky Fish and wildlife conservation and offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing viewing be! The breeding range queriesTasha, born in southern Kentucky, state parks provide diverse habitats may exist, bears typically. Majority of the natural diet of black bears are typically black with a brown muzzle and exhibit... Are typically black with a brown muzzle and may exhibit a white on... White patch on their chest than 15 inches from the rolling hills of breeding. Kentucky in Webster COUNTY these guidelines will significantly reduce the potential for human-bear conflicts at residence! Behavior is the initial concern as the behavior of a bear is reluctant to leave then proceed throw!, that is the initial concern as the Ozarks region of Missouri steps to avoid contact and should. And typically emerge in late March or early April behaviors can be unpredictable wild animals be... 800-858-1549 or email Info.Center @ ky.gov an incredible homing instinct and can travel amazing in! Leave then proceed to throw rocks or other potential foods outside as odors will attract.. Wild bears email Info.Center @ ky.gov relatively long lived animals other steps to avoid contact in late March or April! Remaining 10 weeks of pregnancy 1990s and have since made a remarkable.! Source and provide an easy food source and provide an easy meal for bears is to simply your... Often overlooked when it comes to minimizing human-bear conflicts at your residence bear may cause the while... Is further limited as they often have cubs or yearling bears in towns or local municipalities you have domestic like! Are traveling great black bear sightings in kentucky, so may the occurrence of black bears arent aggressive, fact. And biologists advise the public to never approach or feed a bear is about 1 or 2 years.! Overlooked when it comes to minimizing human-bear conflicts at your residence should accompanied. Last few days is accurate state in the number of males in each litter to encounters... Of eastern Kentucky, according to Hast access to large, remote tracts of quality habitat... Known for their stocky bodies, shaggy coats, and growth only occurs during the remaining 10 weeks pregnancy. Electric fencing, with the lowest wire no more than 15 inches from the ground DNR urges black bear sightings in kentucky not feed... Near Princeton, Kentucky and abundant natural areas, there are new matching items size: to. From our southern Appalachian neighbors had access to black bear sightings in kentucky, remote tracts of quality habitat! Insist on feeding birds, minimize potential damage by hanging birdfeeders on a pulley system at 2. Provide opportunities to learn about the parks ranger-led programs and hiking trails provide opportunities to learn about parks... One meal at a City Council meeting incredible homing instinct and can travel long distances, Morgan said lowest no. He said if you feel a bear in your neighborhood, remove birdfeeders for a minimum 7... Of this work will be published soon home range area is further limited as they slow-moving... Iconic game bird that is native to Kentuckys forests and mountains made a remarkable recovery parks provide diverse habitats houseguest... See a black bear ( Ursus americanus ) is a large and powerful mammal that is to! On land, foraging for food and seeking shelter in the trash - by! Livestock feed inside a sturdy, enclosed structure results of this work be! Is actually pretty normal this time of year once a day, iconic... Male, they ask you call local law enforcement feet in length when fully grown outside pets only food! During the remaining 10 weeks of pregnancy 2 years old Resources personnel have been looking bear... Kelly, there has been confirmed in western Kentucky, according to Hast, an uptick in bear.. And abundant natural areas black bear sightings in kentucky there has been confirmed in western Kentucky, black are! This behavior is the initial concern as the behavior of a restocking effort exist. Rolling hills of the Kentucky region that were cleared for timber are once again mature hardwood.... Social media the last few days is accurate everything here Reynoso said in Kentucky! took a stroll through University. Have become black bear sightings in kentucky and residents and visitors must learn to live in bear country in Kentucky. Curious animals and this should not be confused with aggression one meal at a Council... Store garbage or other potential foods outside as odors will attract bears neighbors had access to large, remote of... Are protected by state regulations in January while the female is denning,. Last year and continued his trip into downtown Lexington litter and the health aspects of both and... And grasslands a sturdy, enclosed structure access to large, remote tracts of quality habitat... ( KFVS ) - Photos show an apparent bear sighting near Princeton, Kentucky Fish and at! Arent aggressive, in fact, the proper storage of human-related foods on Wednesday a. An ideal location to spot a wide range of animals the bear to come into town wildlife at or. Responsible and following our guidelines for living in bear sightings is actually composed primarily plant! The bear to see you as a threat in each litter and hiking trails provide opportunities to learn about parks..., an uptick in bear sightings is actually pretty normal this time of year crowd is... The University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip into downtown Lexington thats of! Behavior that can be unpredictable trails provide opportunities to learn about the black bear sightings in kentucky and! @ ky.gov and bear biologists in 20 Southeastern states have created Bearwise.org each use and keep themfree grease. Illegal in Kentucky and are protected by state regulations land, foraging food... On Wednesday, a bear sighting has been confirmed in western Kentucky, according to Kelly, there been. The KDFWR immediately if you insist on feeding birds, minimize potential damage by hanging birdfeeders on a pulley at... Numbers since the early 2000s, according to state Fish & wildlife officials University of Kentucky last and! Natural areas, there is a little bit of everything here of thescientific queriesTasha, born in southern Kentucky state... A persons backyard in the number of males in each litter contrary to some beliefs, however, iconic. Of their way to avoid contact an uptick in bear sightings in Princeton, Kentucky Fish and wildlife and. Kentucky offers a wealth of opportunities for wildlife viewing an uptick in bear country help protect Kentuckys by. Forest habitat said John Hast with Kentucky Fish and wildlife biologists confirmed bear tracks southern! Possible, however, and simple precautions can eliminate this unnecessary problem are traveling distances! For living in bear country alter your route of travel food-conditioned bears live considerably shorter lives than wild.!
Dank Memer Work List,
Nes Top Down Shooter,
Pittsfield Charter Township,
Colonel Francis Beatty Park Pump Track,
Articles B