This is why fall food abundance prior to denning, primarily in the form of acorns, is critical for black bears in the Southern Appalachians. Running from a black bear will likely trigger a natural instinct to chase. When the acorns drop this fall, theyll want to be in a naturally wooded area which is what eastern Kentucky has, Hast said. Copperhead snakes are generally shy and prefer to avoid confrontation with humans, but they can be dangerous if provoked. Black bears den for the winter months and typically emerge in late March or early April. Bears are now being equipped with GPS (global positioning system) radio collars that link with orbiting satellites to remotely collect locations at varying time periods. Rogers said in generalKentucky bearsden up 2 months laterthan those in Minnesota,andKentucky bearsdo not go into such a deep hibernation. 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 CALDWELL COUNTY, Ky. (KFVS) - Photos show an apparent bear sighting near Princeton, Kentucky. Black bears are known for their stocky She roams around,climbs trees,swims in the pond,and finds natural food, he said. Eastern gray squirrels are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, from dense forests to suburban neighborhoods. 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. Sierra Madre police responded to 130 calls about black bears making their way into residential areas in 2022, Capt. Eastern Kentucky is the most likely place to spot a bear, although Hast says he would not be surprised to see a bear in any county. You can find more information Bears are often up in trees and you may walk right by them without ever noticing. Never run from a black bear as this may trigger a natural response to chase. Feeding bears is absolutely the worst thing that people can do to ensure a bears death. If cornered or threatened, bears may slap the ground, pop their jaws or huff as a warning. But, he said, he "wouldn't necessarily call them attacks.". at Kingdom Come State Park, bear-proof David Oppenheimer was relaxing in a chair outside his home when he turned to see something startling. 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. 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. Small amounts of the toxic chemicals benzene, naphthalene, and butadiene have been found around the perimeter of the site. Black bears are powerful, large-bodied animals that grow to 46 feet in length when fully grown. WYMT received videos Wednesday from David and Sharon Kennedy of a bear approaching and climbing onto their porch in Cumberland. Collectively, female bears den before males, and pregnant females or those with offspring den before solitary females. April 14, 2023 4:25 PM. Early May, through June, is peak bear season across Kentucky. Getting too close to a bear may cause the bear to see you as a threat. They have conducted other studies to collect hair samples, which are used to study bear genetics. Instead, the proper storage of human-related foods and never feeding bears is the key. Black bear in the trash - Photo by Dave Huff. Kelly says black bears have a natural fear of people and adverse encounters with people are extremely rare. A young male American black bear took a stroll through the University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip into downtown Lexington. Feed outside pets only enough food for one meal at a time. of pot during traffic stop, Three people injured in shooting in Centralia, Complete KFVS12, Heartlands CW and Grit Schedules. Bears are incredible diggers- irregularities in terrain should be filled in with heavy debris so as to prevent bears from crawling under low points. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. So, a young male, they typically get kicked out of the breeding range. The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a highly adaptable and omnivorous mammal that is commonly found in Kentuckys forests, wetlands, and urban areas. Careful maintenance of barbeque grills is an overlooked precaution that will prevent unwanted visits by bears and other wildlife. To report a bear sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife or 1-800-25-ALERT. Daniel Richardson, a conservation officer with the state wildlife department, said the bears arent trying to harm people. Photo: Debra Gibson Isaacs, All black bear cubs are born in the den around mid-January to early February. Bears were also spotted last summer in Louisville. You have permission to edit this article. CALDWELL COUNTY, Ky. (KFVS) - Photos show an apparent bear sighting near Princeton, Kentucky. The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife has confirmed that the bear has been spotted north of Prospect, Kentucky. Resources biologist Tristan Curry checks Black Bear Logging - Photo by 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 Bears were also spotted last summer in Louisville. With a population of over a million, white-tailed deer are a common sight for both residents and visitors to the state. In 2015, a black bear entered the state from Michigan, becoming the first black bear confirmed in Indiana since the 1870s, DNR said. 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. Bears have an incredible sense of smell and are likely being lured by some type of food attractant. This is because males leave the territory in which they are born, while females traditionally share space within the mothers territory. Reach millions of readers across the Commonwealth by sharing your business or product with people who care about the same things you do. The copperhead snake (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a venomous snake that is common in Kentuckys woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. David Oppenheimer was relaxing in a chair outside his home when he turned to see something startling. Help prevent safety concerns by following these guidelines. Fortunately, all of these negative patterns of behavior can be prevented by eliminating access to human-related foods. Without any negative stimuli, that bear will become increasingly conditioned to human food and bolder in its attempts to acquire those items. In fact, bears possess a unique reproductive adaptation called delayed implantation that allows births to occur when females are generally in prime physical condition. The department said these sightingsfollow other recent reports in the region. Officials with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife have confirmed reports a black bear was spotted in Webster County Wednesday. 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. Black bears are very curious animals and this should not be confused with aggression. In addition, home range area varies considerably between seasons due to significant shifts in food availability. Black bears have a natural fear of people and adverse encounters with people are extremely rare.". These graceful creatures are known for their distinctive white tail and reddish-brown coat. And second, yearling bears are now on their own trying to establish a suitable home range. He adds these are the first reports of a bear in the area this summer. Feeding bears is the worst thing that people can do when it comes to creating human-bear conflicts. If you feel a bear is posing an immediate danger, they ask you call local law enforcement. Surround bee yards with at least 2 strands of electric fencing, with the lowest wire no more than 15 inches from the ground. What to See? WHITLEY COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - A black bear was recently spotted in a Whitley County neighborhood. 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. the largest bear handled in Kentucky was a 480-pound adult male that was captured as a research animal during the summer of 2008. Denning serves as a way for bears to not only survive but successfully produce offspring during the cold winter months when natural foods are almost nonexistent. Sierra Madre plans to release bear-proof trash cans to help deter hungry bears, but not just in high-frequency areas of the city. Following these guidelines will significantly reduce the potential for human-bear conflicts at your residence. Natural foods for songbirds are abundant in the summer months when bears are most active, so removing feeders will have no negative impact on birds.. Conversely, female home range size averages about 20 km2, or almost 8 square miles. Photos of the bear in Caldwell County, Kentucky were taken FBI arrests 2 men accused of establishing undercover police station in New York for China, Gov. Kentuckys bear population is typically limited to eastern Kentucky, but Richardson says younger bears sometimes wander west in the early summer. If you do see a black bear, keep a safe distance. Consequently, bears that filtered into Kentucky from our Southern Appalachian neighbors had access to large, remote tracts of quality forest habitat. The breeding season occurs from June to mid-July and males will breed with as many females as possible. 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. 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. The most successful measures to alleviate human-bear conflicts must, therefore, be proactive and be put into effect before a problem develops. Located in south-central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is known for its sprawling underground cave system. Vast portions of the Kentucky region that were cleared for timber are once again mature hardwood forests. Officials do not want to push hungry bears further south if they run into an unbreakable trash can, Reynoso said. Sometimes older males den for relatively short periods and may travel a bit before denning in another location. He points out these bears get pushed out of the area by older, dominant males, and may wander up to several weeks or more into unfamiliar territory in search of good habitat and prospective mates before they return to the mountains where they were raised. In the last decade, four "bear-human interactions" in and around the city limits have been reported, according to James Carlson, a city analyst. The parks ranger-led programs and hiking trails provide opportunities to learn about the parks wildlife and observe these animals in their natural habitats. Another bear showed up in Jessamine County. As bear numbers increase, so may the occurrence of black bears in towns or local municipalities. Life happens quickly, so take a snapshot! (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. Odors from cooking can travel long distances, so never leave grills unattended if you live in bear country. (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. CALDWELL COUNTY, KYKentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife conservation officers and biologistsreceived reports Saturday afternoon about bear sightings in Princeton, Kentucky. Make your presence known by yelling at the bear and slowly back away without turning your back. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife 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. Iowa Wild Animals: What are They and Where to See Them? 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. Copyright 2020 WKYT. These nocturnal creatures are known for their masked faces and ringed tails. Wild turkeys are known for their strong flying ability and keen senses, making them a challenging game species for hunters. Do not store garbage or other potential foods outside as odors will attract bears. Definitely dont approach in anyway, just give them their space and theyll keep doing what they do.. 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. It was big news because central Kentuckians are not accustomed to seeing bears in their neighborhoods. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources website. Emerging from dens weighing only 510 pounds, cubs have less than one year to learn the necessary skills to ensure their survival as solitary yearlings. "Make a lot of noise and try to tell the animal, 'Hey! Black bears are primarily solitary animals that are skilled at foraging for food, with a diet that includes nuts, berries, insects, and small mammals. Male black bears are known to wander great distances, Morgan said. Tasha was roaming around in MarchRogers said, but then we had an unusually warm March. They are known for their excellent sense of smell and are often attracted to human food sources, such as garbage cans and bird feeders. Lynn Reynolds, chief biologistand founder of the North American Bear Center and the Wildlife Research Center in Ely, Minnesotais delving into the issue after Tashabecame an ambassador (captive) bear in Minnesotawhenshe was orphanedafterher mother was killedby a truck. Kentucky offers a wealth of opportunities for wildlife viewing. For the last few months, several individuals in various areas of Perry County, including within Hazard city limits, have experienced black bear sightings. As is the case with pets, injury or death to livestock is an uncommon occurrence in Kentucky. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is a familiar and charismatic mammal found throughout Kentuckys woodlands and urban areas. All, or parts for 47 Kentucky counties, will be open to black bear hunting in 2017, with a harvest quota of 50 bears. 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. Portray yourself as the dominant animal and do not back down. Weights among bears are extremely variable, however, and are determined by food availability and the time of year. They are also known for their distinctive gobbling calls, which can be heard echoing through Kentuckys woodlands during the spring mating season. If you do see a black bear, keep a safe distance. Bear sightings are on the rise in Kentucky. cans have been installed. 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. (cNews) Have a question? Black bears are wide-ranging and relatively long lived animals. 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. Unless garbage is properly stored another bear will move in and the problem will start all over again. 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. Black bears are rarely seen in Indiana. He also had advice for anyone who happens to spot the animal. Hoosier Democrats, Republicans and insiders talk candidly about issues, the Indiana Statehouse and everything in between on Indiana Week In Review from WFYI Public Media. They want nothing to do with people, which is great, Hast said. Of course, sheis fednatural foods such as nuts and berriesand peanut butteras well. In years of poor acorn production, however, females may not be able to store adequate fat reserves and reproduction can be significantly decreased. Bear population growth rate figures come from extrapolating data from numerous sources, including a research program conducted by the University of Tennessee (UT), Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the U.S. Forest and Park services and the U.S. Geological Survey. Black bears are known for their stocky bodies, shaggy coats, and iconic crescent-shaped ears. If a bear approaches you in the wild, it is likely only trying to assess your presence. There is no reason that you should ever be within 150 feet of a bear. Make sure the bear has a clear escape route. Kentuckys state parks, scattered throughout the state, also offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. While biologically classified as true carnivores, black bears are omnivorous, meaning their diet consists of both animal and plant matter. Photo: Debra Gibson Isaac, Since this 10-year-old photo was taken To learn more about Bear Hunting in Kentucky, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. 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. The bear will again expect to be fed because you have taught it to associate people with food. Copyright 2021 KFVS. If approached by a bear- stand your ground, raise your arms to appear larger, and yell until it leaves the area. When bears are intentionally fed, they learn to associate people with food and lose their natural fear of humans. 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 Download a technical bulletin entitled Black Bears and Bee Yards. When bears have ready access to human-related foods, two behavioral situations can arise that seriously affect the potential for future nuisance activity- food conditioning and habituation. 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. Female home range area is further limited as they often have cubs or yearling bears in tow. Watch a video of Hast discussing a bear sighting in Jessamine County. Access to garbage annually accounts for approximately 70% of all nuisance complaints received by the KDFWR. Crowd control is the initial concern as the behavior of a cornered bear can be unpredictable. Do not leave garbage on a deck or porch, even if it is screened; doing so will only result in a bear on your deck or a torn screen. In Kentucky, the return of black bears over the last 20 years is proving to be a true wildlife success story. In the event of an attack, fight back using everything in your power - including fists, sticks, rocks, or any other debris. Wildlife viewing drives, hiking trails, and camping areas offer excellent opportunities to observe these animals in their natural environments. 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. Fortunately, all of these negative patterns of behavior can be unpredictable home when turned... ( Sciurus carolinensis ) is a venomous snake that is common in woodlands!, 'Hey strong flying ability and keen senses, making them a game... Share space within the mothers territory, Heartlands CW and Grit Schedules by Dave huff Fish wildlife... Diet consists of both animal and plant matter jaws or huff as a threat and... 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