224 Black Bears Sighted in Ohio in 2012
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio Department of Natural Resources received 224 reported sightings of an estimated 93 black bears in 2012. Trumbull County had the highest confirmed sightings with 10.
Of the 224 sightings reported, 65 were confirmed by the department's Division of Wildlife personnel. Portage County had the highest total at 36, but only six were confirmed. Ashtabula, Geauga and Mahoning counties had five each.
The number of sightings in 2012 increased from 152 in 2011. Five black bears accounted for 62 sightings in 2012, although a majority were unconfirmed. The number of confirmed sightings is similar to recent years; 60 were confirmed in 2011 and 64 in 2010. Twenty-one counties had confirmed sightings in 2012 from an estimated 35 bears.
There were 39 nuisance reports in 2012, and 17 were confirmed. Nuisance or destructive behavior includes damage to bird feeders, beehives and garbage containers. Black bears were sighted every month of 2012, and 80% of the sightings were reported from May to September. Three of a sow with cubs were unconfirmed and two of lone cubs were also unconfirmed.
The black bear is native to Ohio and on the state’s endangered species list. All black bears in Ohio are protected by state law. Efforts to monitor black bears are supported by the Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Fund, which receives donations through the sale of Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamps, the state income tax checkoff program and the purchase of cardinal license plates.
Bears do not attack or kill children or pets as long as they are given space and not cornered. People should not approach them. To report observations of black bears, contact the local county wildlife officer, district wildlife office or call 800 945 3543.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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