Black bears, the only bear species found in North Carolina, are increasingly present in and around Raleigh, NC. Sightings have risen across the state, including in urban and suburban areas. This means residents may encounter bears more frequently. Understanding this phenomenon and how to coexist safely is becoming increasingly relevant.
Understanding Bear Presence in Raleigh
The expanding presence of black bears in Raleigh is primarily due to population growth and habitat changes. The American black bear population in North Carolina has significantly rebounded, increasing from an estimated 2,000 bears in 1970 to over 20,000 currently. This successful recovery has led to a natural expansion of their range across the state, with bears now occupying approximately 60% of North Carolina’s total land area.
As North Carolina’s human population grows, residential areas are expanding into traditional bear habitat. This encroachment creates more opportunities for human-bear interactions. Young male bears often disperse from their mothers’ territories to find new homes, leading them into developed areas as they search for space and food. Bears are also adaptable and adjust to living near human settlements. They are driven by a search for food, especially during spring and summer when they emerge from dens hungry.
Safety During a Bear Encounter
Remaining calm is the primary response during a black bear encounter. If you spot a bear, avoid approaching, surrounding, or cornering it, as this can provoke a defensive reaction. Running away is not advised, as it can trigger a bear’s chase instinct. Instead, back away slowly while facing the bear, creating distance.
To deter a bear, make yourself appear as large as possible by waving your arms or standing tall. Making loud noises, such as shouting, clapping, or banging pots and pans, can scare the bear away. Give the bear a clear escape route so it does not feel trapped. If a black bear does attack, fighting back is the appropriate response, unlike with some other bear species. For non-emergency bear sightings, contact the NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401.
Minimizing Bear Activity Near Homes
Residents can take several steps to reduce bear attraction to their properties. Securing all potential food sources is important. This includes storing garbage and recycling inside sturdy buildings or using bear-resistant containers. Trash cans should be placed at the curb on the morning of pickup, rather than the night before.
Easily accessible food items, such as birdseed and pet food, attract bears due to high caloric content. Bird feeders should be removed when bears are active, and pet food bowls brought indoors after meals, with no leftovers outside. Outdoor grills must be thoroughly cleaned after each use to remove grease and food particles, then stored securely. Harvesting ripe fruit from trees and managing compost piles to avoid strong odors can prevent bears from entering your yard. Closing and locking accessible windows and doors can also prevent a bear from entering.