Ohio is home to bears, though their presence is not as widespread as in some other states. While encounters remain relatively uncommon, the state has a small but growing bear population. These animals, once absent, are gradually re-establishing themselves within Ohio’s natural landscapes.
Ohio’s Bear Presence
The only bear species found in Ohio is the black bear (Ursus americanus). Black bears historically inhabited Ohio, but by the mid-1800s, extensive deforestation and unregulated hunting led to their extirpation from the state. In recent decades, black bears have been naturally recolonizing Ohio, primarily dispersing from healthy populations in neighboring Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife has been tracking black bear observations since 1993, and sightings have shown an increasing trend. In 2022, 285 sightings were reported across 52 counties, with 161 confirmed. While challenging to estimate the exact number of individual bears residing year-round, the population is currently considered small, ranging from approximately 50 to 100 individuals. Most bears observed are young males searching for new territory, but recent years have brought evidence of resident female bears with cubs, particularly in northeast Ohio, indicating a more established presence.
Where Bears Are Found
Black bears in Ohio are predominantly found in the eastern half of the state, where forested habitats are more suitable. The most frequent sightings and established populations occur in Northeast Ohio, particularly in counties bordering Pennsylvania, such as Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Trumbull, and Mahoning counties. Similarly, Southeast Ohio also experiences significant bear activity in forested areas like Washington, Athens, Hocking, and Vinton counties.
These bears prefer heavily wooded areas with a dense understory for cover and foraging. While they can utilize open spaces, their primary habitat consists of upland hardwood forests. Although most sightings concentrate in eastern Ohio, occasional reports occur in central and western parts of the state, often involving dispersing young male bears traveling long distances. Recent reports include sightings in counties like Licking, Franklin, Delaware, and Morrow.
Coexisting with Bears
As Ohio’s black bear population expands, understanding how to coexist becomes increasingly relevant. Black bears are not aggressive and prefer to avoid human interaction. However, they are opportunistic feeders, and easily accessible food sources can attract them to residential areas. To prevent attracting bears, secure trash in garages or bear-resistant containers, remove bird feeders (including hummingbird and suet feeders), and keep pet food indoors, especially overnight. Clean grill grease traps after each use and store grills securely to eliminate attractants.
If you encounter a black bear, remain calm. Do not run, as this might trigger a chase instinct. Instead, slowly back away, allowing the bear to escape. Avoid direct eye contact. If a bear approaches, make yourself appear larger by raising your arms and making noise (clapping or speaking firmly) to deter it.
The ODNR Division of Wildlife does not relocate bears simply for being present, as they are part of Ohio’s natural wildlife. Report any bear sightings or encounters to the ODNR Division of Wildlife, either online via their Wildlife Species Sighting Report or by contacting a local county wildlife officer.