Hocking Hills, Ohio, is a popular natural destination known for its scenic beauty, featuring towering cliffs, waterfalls, and deep gorges. Visitors often wonder about the wildlife, especially the potential for encountering bears, so understanding the local bear population and their behaviors is helpful.
Black Bears in Hocking Hills
Black bears are native to Ohio and historically inhabited the state and Hocking Hills. Due to unregulated hunting and habitat loss, they were extirpated by the mid-1800s. In recent decades, their population has slowly recovered, recolonizing the state from neighboring Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Ohio’s black bear population is estimated at 50 to 100 individuals and is considered an endangered species. While present in Ohio, Hocking Hills sightings remain relatively rare, though their numbers are increasing. Most observed bears are young males that disperse widely in search of new territory and mates, often not staying long-term unless female bears are present.
Understanding Bear Habits
Black bears are omnivores, adapting their diet to seasonal availability. They primarily forage for grasses, tender shoots, berries, nuts, insects, and carrion. This adaptable diet allows them to thrive in varied forested habitats like Hocking Hills.
Black bears can be active at any time but are often crepuscular or nocturnal, especially in areas with human activity. They are generally shy and typically prefer to avoid human contact. Possessing a keen sense of smell, they find food, and often retreat if aware of human presence.
Visitor Safety Measures
Visitors to Hocking Hills can take several preventative measures to minimize the chance of a bear encounter. Proper food storage, including keeping food in vehicles or bear-resistant containers, is important. Dispose of all trash correctly in designated, secure receptacles to prevent attracting bears.
Maintain a clean campsite by promptly cleaning up food spills and storing cooking equipment after use. Hiking in groups can reduce the likelihood of surprising a bear, as groups are generally noisier and more noticeable. Never approach or attempt to feed any wildlife, including bears, as this can lead to them losing their natural fear and becoming a nuisance.
Encountering a Bear
If you encounter a black bear, remaining calm is the first step. Black bears are typically non-aggressive and often flee when detecting humans. If unaware of your presence, slowly and quietly back away. If the bear is aware and does not leave, identify yourself by talking calmly to let it know you are human, not prey. Avoid direct eye contact and slowly back away, giving the bear an escape route.
Do not run, as this may trigger a chase response, and do not climb a tree, as black bears are adept climbers. If a bear approaches, make yourself appear larger by waving your arms and shouting firmly to scare it away. If a black bear attacks, fight back vigorously, concentrating blows to its face and muzzle. Report any bear sightings to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) via their website or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.