A ‘bear-y’ busy season: Black bear sightings increase across Ohio

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — Bear sightings are on the rise across Ohio, and it’s shaping up to be a very busy season.

The American black bear is on the move. As the weather warms up, wildlife officials say it’s not unusual to see bears wandering into new areas in search of food, space and, in some cases, a mate.

“This is the time of year that we expect to get the majority of our reported sightings in Ohio. Mid-June to approximately mid-July is black bear mating season. So, this is when bears are on the move,” said Lindsay Rist, wildlife communications specialist for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

According to Rist, young male bears around, a year and a half old, have been pushed out by the adult female as she prepares for a new season. These newly independent males are the ones most often spotted as they search for territory and a mate.

With wildlife sightings increasing, Rist says there are some important safety reminders.

“We don’t want to encourage them to come into yards. Securing things like trash and cleaning your grill, not having something that would make an easy meal for them…They will eat just about anything. Also, keeping your pet food off the porch. Just putting things away and cleaning up after you’re done outside.”

If you happen to encounter a bear, remember black bears are endangered, so please do not harm one. Instead, make yourself appear as large as possible and use loud noises to scare it off. Bears are usually just looking for an easy meal.

ODNR does track black bear sightings. If you spot a bear or signs of a bear—like tracks or scat, go to the ODNR report sightings page and upload your photos and information.