Black bears are a natural part of Ohio’s wildlife, and their presence is increasing. Once absent for an extended period, these animals are making a comeback. Understanding their history, behavior, and how to safely share space with them is important for residents and visitors.
Black Bear Presence and Distribution in Ohio
Black bears were historically present in Ohio but were extirpated by the mid-1800s due to deforestation and unregulated hunting. Occasional sightings persisted, and since 1993, the Ohio Division of Wildlife has tracked a steady increase in reports. In 2022, 285 sightings were reported across 52 counties, with 161 confirmed.
The resurgence of black bears in Ohio is primarily driven by expanding populations in neighboring states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Young male bears often disperse significant distances into Ohio in search of new territories. While most sightings are of these dispersing males, increasing evidence suggests resident female bears with cubs, particularly in northeast Ohio near the Pennsylvania border. This indicates an ongoing re-establishment of a breeding population. Bears are most commonly found in forested areas of northeast Ohio (Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Trumbull, and Mahoning counties) and southeast Ohio (Washington, Athens, Hocking, and Vinton counties).
Understanding Black Bear Behavior
Black bears are omnivores, eating both plants and meat. They forage on grasses, forbs, berries, and mast from trees like oak, hickory, and beech, also consuming carrion, insects, and agricultural crops. Despite their size (males average 300 pounds, females 175 pounds), black bears are shy and reclusive. They prefer wooded areas with dense undergrowth, though they can utilize open spaces.
Black bears are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk. In areas with high human activity, they may become more nocturnal to avoid people. They enter dens between early November and mid-December, emerging between mid-March and mid-April. While powerful, black bears are not inherently aggressive towards humans and prefer to avoid interaction.
Safe Coexistence with Black Bears
Living in areas with black bears requires adopting practices to minimize conflicts. A primary step is to eliminate food attractants from around homes. This includes securing trash in bear-resistant containers or storing it indoors, especially overnight. Bird feeders and pet food should also be removed or stored securely, as these are strong attractants. Cleaning grease traps from grills after each use and promptly picking fruit from berry bushes can also deter bears.
If an encounter with a black bear occurs, remaining calm is important. If the bear is not aware of your presence, slowly back away. If the bear sees you and does not leave, avoid direct eye contact, make yourself appear larger by raising your arms, and make noise by talking firmly or clapping. Never run from a black bear, as this might trigger a chase response. Instead, slowly back away, giving the bear an easy escape route.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife monitors black bear activity and encourages reporting sightings to help track movements and inform public safety.