The black bear (Ursus americanus) is a native species in Ohio that was historically removed from the state, but is now slowly making a comeback. This gradual return is a success story for wildlife recovery. The number of black bears residing or passing through the state is increasing. Understanding the current status of this population requires looking at how wildlife officials monitor the bears and where they are establishing a presence within the state’s borders.
The Current Population Estimate
The exact number of black bears in Ohio is difficult to determine, as the population is not dense enough for traditional census methods. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) estimates the population is small and growing. Wildlife management focuses on confirmed sightings and evidence of reproduction to track the population’s trajectory. In 2022, the Division of Wildlife received 285 sightings across 52 counties, with 161 of those confirmed based on evidence like photos or tracks.
The ODNR monitors the population primarily through a public reporting system, where citizens submit observations confirmed by wildlife staff. To gain detailed insight, the Division of Wildlife partners with researchers to fit some resident bears with Global Positioning System (GPS) collars. This GPS data helps researchers understand habitat use, home range size, and reproductive status.
Understanding the true population size requires distinguishing between “resident” and “transient” bears. The majority of bears observed are transient, typically young males dispersing from larger populations in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. These transient males wander widely and often do not remain in the state for long periods. Resident bears are indicated by the presence of adult female bears with cubs, confirming breeding is occurring within Ohio’s borders.
Where Ohio’s Black Bears Live
Black bears in Ohio are primarily found in the eastern half of the state, where forested habitat is more abundant. Core areas for consistent bear activity are concentrated in the Appalachian region of southeastern Ohio and the forested counties of the northeast.
Counties noted for higher numbers of sightings include Ashtabula, Geauga, Trumbull, and Mahoning in the northeast, and Washington, Athens, Hocking, and Vinton in the southeast.
Range expansion is evident as transient bears move into peripheral counties, sometimes appearing far from established core populations. These bears favor extensive forested tracts, especially those near water sources, which provide cover and diverse food options. Sighting reports confirm bears have been seen in 55 of Ohio’s 88 counties since 1993.
Historical Status and Recovery Efforts
Black bears were considered extirpated from Ohio by the mid-1850s due to extensive habitat loss from deforestation and unregulated hunting pressure. Occasional sightings began to occur again as early as the 1930s, with a confirmed report of a female bear with cubs occurring in 1973.
The natural return is largely attributed to the recovery of forest cover in eastern Ohio and the expansion of healthy bear populations in neighboring states. Bears naturally began moving westward from Pennsylvania and West Virginia, recolonizing the state. The black bear is currently classified as a state-endangered species in Ohio, which affords it full protection under state law. Hunting black bears in Ohio is prohibited.
State management efforts focus on monitoring the species and public education. The Division of Wildlife began systematically tracking observations in 1993 to monitor the status and distribution of the species.
Safe Coexistence with Black Bears
As the black bear population expands, it becomes increasingly likely that residents will encounter one, particularly in the eastern regions. Bears are generally shy and actively try to avoid human interaction, but conflicts most often arise when bears gain access to human food sources. Taking simple steps to remove these attractants is the most effective way to prevent human-bear conflicts.
Securing garbage is a primary prevention measure, which includes storing trash cans indoors until the morning of pickup. Other common attractants like bird feeders, pet food, and outdoor grills should be removed or cleaned thoroughly, especially if a bear is known to be active in the area. For those who keep beehives, installing electric fencing can mitigate potential damage.
If a bear encounter does occur, remain calm and avoid running, as this can trigger a chase response. Instead, people should make noise, speak loudly, and slowly back away to give the bear an escape route. Raising one’s arms to appear larger can also help encourage the bear to leave the area.