black bear sightings in kentuckyblack bear sightings in kentucky

These nocturnal creatures are known for their masked faces and ringed tails. Fortunately, all of these negative patterns of behavior can be prevented by eliminating access to human-related foods. A young male American black bear took a stroll through the University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip into downtown Lexington. Keep in mind, however, that aggressive dogs could suffer injury or death if a physical conflict arises. Copyright 2021 KFVS. Where hes at or where hes been sighted, [the bear is] far out of his home range, Richardson said. Many wildlife management areas have designated viewing areas, trails, and observation blinds where visitors can safely observe these animals in their natural habitats. Store garbage in a closed structure and put it out the morning of garbage pickup, not the night before. City officials intend to vote on a proclamation this month that would urge the state to update or enhance its policies for a sustainable managed bear population. The same applies to a bear that enters a home. In fact, the majority of the natural diet of black bears is actually composed primarily of plant matter. 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. 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. Multiple bear sightings reported across central Kentucky. In the last decade, four "bear-human interactions" in and around the city limits have been reported, according to James Carlson, a city analyst. Since that time, there has been a slight but steady increase in the number of males in each litter. Get in touch. Damage to apiaries can be extensive and very costly if action is not taken quickly. Another bear showed up in Jessamine County. Bears were also spotted last summer in Louisville. UTICA, Ind. Bears are naturally shy and elusive animals that generally avoid contact with humans. 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. It was big news because central Kentuckians are not accustomed to seeing bears in their neighborhoods. Due to the potential for significant monetary loss, the KDFWR strongly recommends all bee yard owners follow the guidelines below: Evidence of Black BearDamage to Bee Hives- Photo by Jayson Plaxico. Problems may be further addressed by purchasing or constructing a bear-resistant garbage container. Females with offspring generally emerge from dens in March or April. Richardson said mature male bears push smaller ones out of their typical ranges this time of year to encourage them to find their own place to relocate. Research shows that male bears range over areas from 200500 km2; that is an area of approximately 77193 square miles! The first thing to realize is that the bear is simply going after an easy meal. All bear species have an incredible sense of smell. Do not play dead! April 14, 2023 4:25 PM. The department said these sightingsfollow other recent reports in the region. If a bear approaches you in the wild, it is likely only trying to assess your presence. Despite what some people think, black bears do not naturally occur in trashcans or a persons backyard in the middle of town. 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. 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. 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. What residents are seeing is typical black bear behavior, Rich added. The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife has confirmed that the bear has been spotted north of Prospect, Kentucky. Bears will almost always find an escape route if they are left alone. A black bear was standing right next to him, just feet away. So, they tend to make a loop and end up where they started.. The Return of the Grizzly: Could Minnesota See These Creatures Once Again? Kentuckys bear population is typically limited to eastern Kentucky, but Richardson says younger bears sometimes wander west in the early summer. From the rolling hills of the Bluegrass region to the rugged mountains of eastern Kentucky, state parks provide diverse habitats. Situations that invite bears into or near human dwellings can create cycles of behavior that can be very hard to break. And like the early pioneers, we have a choice to make.. 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).. You can find more information on bears here. April 14, 2023 4:25 PM. Females with cubs will often climb a tree to for escape cover; never surround a tree holding any bear, especially a female with cubs! Births occur in January while the female is denning. Currently, black bears are the most abundant and widespread of all eight bear species in the world. The expansion is everywhere, particularly east of I-75. Burn grills clean after each use and keep themfree of grease. Its not pandemic related, said John Hast with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. Photo: Kentucky Black bear family in trash - Photo by Dave Huff. Shegreets visitorsdaily, and theycan see her up close. Sometimes older males den for relatively short periods and may travel a bit before denning in another location. Consequently, it is important to remember that it is the odor of food items that first lure bears near homes or neighborhoods. HENDERSON CO., Ky. (WFIE) - Theres been a lot of talk about bear sightings this summer in southern Illinois and southern Indiana, and now reports are surfacing in western Kentucky. While pregnancy lasts approximately 220 days, embryonic development does not continue throughout the gestation period. In the fall, a diet of hard mast composed of acorns and beechnutsallows thebears to put on extraordinary fat reserves that enable not only survivalbut cub production, during the denning season. 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. Conversely, female home range size averages about 20 km2, or almost 8 square miles. Bears have an incredible sense of smell and are likely being lured by some type of food attractant. Prevent any conflicts by treating bears with respect as they are wild animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. Store birdfeed inside or in a sturdy, enclosed structure. One of the best ways to be safe around bears is to simply keep your distance. This comes nearly a month after a bear was seen 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. Small amounts of the toxic chemicals benzene, naphthalene, and butadiene have been found around the perimeter of the site. The best thing to do is identify the attractant and remove the source. Kentucky Black Bear Sightings. 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. According to CAMC, the sighting happened near Chesterfield Avenue in the area of the CAMC LabWorks, Gastroenterology, and new Center for Learning and Research. It is an ideal location to spot a wide range of animals. It is not uncommon, for example, for a bear to almost double its summer weight after spending the fall months feeding on acorns. If possible, do not store feed in the immediate vicinity of livestock. If you insist on feeding birds, minimize potential damage by hanging birdfeeders on a pulley system at least 8 feet above the ground. Nuisance behaviors in bears are typically those that cause problems with people in and around homes, neighborhoods, or businesses. Copyright They are skilled hunters and feed on a diet of small mammals, insects, and amphibians. Black bears, like this one pictured in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Suffolk, Virginia, are rarely seen in Indiana. Biologists believe this is likely the same bear. You have permission to edit this article. Mother bear and cubs - Photo by Dave Maehr. 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. Feed outside pets only enough food for one meal at a time. A young male American black bear took a stroll through the University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip into downtown Lexington. Black bears are extremely powerful animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. Thats as high a growth rate as you will find anywhere in the southeast United States. If you see those behaviors you are too close! White-tailed deer are the most popular game animal in Kentucky, and hunting them is a cherished tradition for many residents. Raccoons are notorious for their mischievous behavior and are a common sight in many parts of Kentucky. Indiana Wildlife Encounters: Where to Go to See Wild Animals? Kentucky Historical Society, View from Tater Knob in Daniel Boone National Forest - Photo by Steven Dobey. The results of this work will be published soon. In addition, black bears have an incredible homing instinct and can travel amazing distances in relatively short periods of time. Bears are extremely intelligent and quickly learn to associate people with food. 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. There is almost always a safe escape route when bears enter towns. These animals are very opportunistic feeders and this adaptation allows them to thrive in so many varied habitats and climates. 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. Unlike Kentucky's sighting, wildlife officials haven't confirmed the southern Indiana report as a bear, because the security footage is more grainy. Dustin Wilcox is a television production student at Murray State University. Officials with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife have confirmed reports a black bear was spotted in Webster County Wednesday. You can find more information on bears here. As a result, Kentucky is now home to a resident bear population that is experiencing considerable increases in both numbers and range. Eastern box turtles are a cherished sight for nature enthusiasts and are protected as a threatened species in Kentucky. If a bear approaches you in the wild, it is likely only trying to assess your presence. If you do encounter a bear, keep a safe distance and never approach the bear. Eastern gray squirrels are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, from dense forests to suburban neighborhoods. Injuries to pets by black bears are not a common occurrence in Kentucky. 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. Visitors may spot deer, squirrels, turkeys, raccoons, and black bears. 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. Its not just social media, Fugitive wanted in three counties arrested in Knox County. In Kentucky, adult females usually weigh between 120170 pounds, while adult males average 250350 pounds. Bear activity is on the rise across central Kentucky. Offspring remain with their mother for the entire year after birth and generally throughout the second denning season. Leave it alone. The great majority of their time is spent alone and on a seemingly endless quest for food. Iowa Wild Animals: What are They and Where to See Them? A black bear was standing right next to him, just feet away. Odors from cooking can travel long distances, so never leave grills unattended if you live in bear country. NO!!! While variant color phases may exist, bears are typically black with a brown muzzle and may exhibit a white patch on their chest. Have a question? These situations generate serious public safety concerns, however, when viewers encroach upon bears and leave no obvious path of escape. 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. By following these simple guidelines for managing attractants you can prevent unnecessary damage. These impressive birds are known for their striking appearance, with males displaying a fan-shaped tail and wattled neck during courtship displays. 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. Doing so will not only help us keep bears wild in Kentucky, but it just may save a bears life. Nuisance reports peak in June and July for two reasons. If approached by a bear- stand your ground, raise your arms to appear larger, and yell until it leaves the area. 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. This is especially true for chicken coops that may be easily entered by a bear. Hell eventually make his way back to the mountains.. As is the case with pets, injury or death to livestock is an uncommon occurrence in Kentucky. WhatdidTasha do? The remainder of their diet typically consists of insects and any animal material discovered while foraging. 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. 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. Black bears are extremely powerful animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. 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. 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. Consequently, bears spend vast amounts of time moving in search of food, cover, mates, and denning habitat. Another bear showed There, they assess the litter and the health aspects of both mom and cubs, Hast says. 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). However, it also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. What to See? Officials with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife have confirmed reports a black bear was spotted in Webster County Wednesday. When this occurs, bears may become habituated to people and lose their natural fear of humans, which creates potentially dangerous situations. For more information, visit the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources website. Leave the windows and doors open and let the bear find its way out, she added. 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, Kentucky Estimated population size: 500 to 1,000 Hunting permitted: Yes. Black Bear sighting reported in Caldwell county, continues The city partnered with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to approach the issue with canyon-area residents to let them know if their trash cans are unsecure or if pet food was left out. In fact, almost all pet injuries are the result of bears attempting to obtain pet food, rather than attempt to intentionally harm the pet itself. Running from a black bear will likely trigger a natural instinct to chase. If garbage must be left outside, store it in a sturdy building or in a bear-resistant container. David Oppenheimer was relaxing in a chair outside his home when he turned to see something startling. Weve got a really healthy bear population in our mountain counties, Hast said. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife opens over 1,400 acres for public hunting in western Kentucky, The December tornado outbreak destroyed many trees a key habitat for bats, Hunters in western Kentucky asked to take special precautions to curtail chronic wasting disease in deer. Copperhead snakes are generally shy and prefer to avoid confrontation with humans, but they can be dangerous if provoked. Help prevent safety concerns by following these guidelines. Be certain to face solar chargers so as to receive the most sunlight. All, or parts for 47 Kentucky counties, will be open to black bear hunting in 2017, with a harvest quota of 50 bears. On the ground, black bears are equally powerful as they may run at speeds approaching 35 miles per hour for relatively short bursts. A black bear was standing right next to Hes trying to find a spot for him to live, and its not going to be around here. Mackenzie Rich, a human wildlife conflict specialist with the fish and wildlife department, said a bear's nose is 100 times more sensitive than a human's nose, and bears can sniff out a bag of fast food in a locked car or cooked food in a kitchen. 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. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife maintains an extensive amount of information about black bears on its website. Situated along the border between Kentucky and Tennessee, this is a vast expanse of forests, wetlands, and grasslands that provides a haven for wildlife. A bear- stand your ground, raise your arms to appear larger, and yell until it leaves area! Attractant and remove the source a sturdy building or in a bear-resistant garbage container turkeys, raccoons and. 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