Black bears, once absent from Kentucky’s landscape, have made a remarkable return, establishing a growing presence across the state. Understanding this expanding population and how to coexist with these animals has become increasingly important for residents throughout Kentucky.
Kentucky’s Black Bear Population
Black bears were considered eliminated from Kentucky by the early 1900s due to extensive logging and unregulated hunting. Over the past two decades, black bears have naturally recolonized the state, primarily from neighboring populations in West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee. This recolonization was not a result of restocking efforts but rather the maturation of oak forests, which provided suitable habitat.
The black bear population in Kentucky has experienced considerable growth in both numbers and range. As of late 2024, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) estimates the black bear population to be around 1,500 animals. This marks a substantial increase from earlier estimates, such as fewer than 500 bears in 2012 and approximately 100 bears in 2008.
Black Bear Distribution and Expansion
Black bears are primarily found in the eastern part of Kentucky, particularly in the forested ridges of Pine, Cumberland, and Black mountains. Core bear areas include Harlan, Bell, Letcher, McCreary, and Wayne counties. These regions offer dense woodlands and ample food sources that support a thriving bear population.
The range of black bears has been expanding steadily beyond these core areas. Bears have been sighted in as many as 54 counties across the state since 2000, including isolated sightings as far west as Daviess County. This expansion is driven by the natural dispersal of young male bears seeking new territories, which can lead them to rural, residential, and even urban areas.
Conservation and Monitoring Efforts
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) actively monitors and manages the state’s black bear population to ensure its health and sustainability. Researchers employ various methods to estimate population numbers and track bear movements, including live trapping for measurements, aging, and genetic analysis.
DNA analysis from hair samples, often collected using barbed-wire hair traps, helps identify individual bears and provides data for population size and distribution estimates. KDFWR also utilizes radio telemetry, fitting some bears with VHF radio collars or GPS-enabled collars, to track their locations, understand their home ranges, and pinpoint den sites.
Den visits, particularly in winter, allow biologists to document cub litters and assess reproductive rates. The state also implements a regulated bear hunting season with specific zones and quotas as a management tool to help maintain appropriate population levels.
Coexisting with Black Bears
Living in areas with black bears requires adopting practices that minimize human-bear conflicts, which often arise when bears are attracted to human-related food sources. Securing garbage in bear-resistant containers or storing it indoors until collection day is an effective deterrent.
Pet food should not be left outdoors, and bird feeders should be removed during seasons when bears are active, typically spring and summer. Cleaning outdoor grills after each use and frequently changing drip pans can also prevent attracting bears.
If a bear is encountered, maintaining a safe distance and never approaching it is important. If a bear seems reluctant to leave, making loud noises, waving arms to appear larger, and slowly backing away can encourage it to depart. Running from a bear should be avoided as it might trigger a chase instinct.
Feeding bears is illegal in Kentucky and can lead to habituation, causing bears to lose their natural fear of humans and potentially resulting in the need for their removal.