cans have been installed. While the life expectancy of male bears is shorter than that of females, bears may live 1525 years in the wild. Hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and camping areas provide ample opportunities to spot these animals in their natural habitats. The best thing to do to avoid them altogether is to feed your pets indoors, throw food scraps in the garbage instead of the yard, remove bird feeders in the spring and summer when food is naturally available, and finally let nature take its course. If you draw a diagonal line from Cumberland County to Lewis County, you will find that these counties have a resident bear population, some sparse and some robust.. Black bears are extremely powerful animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. The results of this work will be published soon. To report a bear sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife or 1-800-25-ALERT. As such, bears habituated to humans can pose public safety concerns and often need to be destroyed as relocation is not a responsible management action. The department said these sightingsfollow other recent reports in the region. All rights reserved. A black bear was standing right next to him, just feet away. Photos of the bear in Caldwell County, Kentucky were taken Black bears are solitary animals with the exception of individual family units or breeding pairs during the June-July breeding season. Eastern Kentucky has seen another bear sighting. Situations that invite bears into or near human dwellings can create cycles of behavior that can be very hard to break. While bears may appear very calm and non-threatening, they should be treated with respect as they are wild animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. Following these simple guidelines will enable you to minimize human-bear conflicts and help the KDFWR better manage our growing bear population. While the core population is concentrated along the Pine, Cumberland, and Black Mountain areas, bears may now be found throughout the eastern portions of the Commonwealth. The older bears want to fight and the female bears arent interested in them, so they go on these walkabouts.. Immediately report any instances of people feeding bears to the KDFWR by calling 1-800-25ALERT (1-800-252-5378). So, they tend to make a loop and end up where they started. To report a bear sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife or 1-800-25-ALERT. Its not pandemic related, said John Hast with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. In Kentucky, historical accounts indicate that bears were Ongoing cooperative research with the University of Kentucky has provided a wealth of knowledge concerning travel patterns and movement rates of bears in eastern Kentucky., Black bear track - Photo by Jason Plaxico. Bears wandered back into Kentucky after wildlife officials moved bears to nearby areas of Virginia and Tennessee, making homes in forests that grew up on areas With a population of over a million, white-tailed deer are a common sight for both residents and visitors to the state. Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Generally, those behaviors include some form of attractants such as garbage, food scraps, pet food, birdfeeders, livestock feed, or other human-related items. The activity pattern of black bears is generally crepuscular, meaning active during the early morning and late evening hours. Another bear showed Never run from a black bear as this may trigger a natural response to chase. She was hesitant to walk in the snow at first, but we had April weather in March,and the snow melted a lot. Once that fear is lost, bears may become day-active in search of food, approach people, and alter their home range to include human population centers. The same applies to a bear that enters a home. They are excellent climbers and are often seen scaling trees or exploring for food along riverbanks. On Monday, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife biologists confirmed bear tracks in southern Henderson County. With its diverse landscapes and abundant natural areas, there is a little bit of everything here. He said, in his opinion, the bear could be from Illinois. Bears are often up in trees and you may walk right by them without ever noticing. Bury or move dead livestock away from living animals as carcasses will attract bears and other predators., Locate bee yards away from forest edges and riparian areas (river bottoms, creek drainages).. She roams around,climbs trees,swims in the pond,and finds natural food, he said. During that time, their metabolism slows so that all reserve energy is used for basic life functions and milk production for cubs. Since January, there have been a dozen calls related to bears, including five in which bears tried to set up a den in a homes crawl space, Amos said. The home range of black bears in Kentucky can exceed 80 square miles. Help prevent safety concerns by following these guidelines. Bill to allow Indiana counties to use outdated flood maps passes state House, Eli Lilly breaks ground on $3.7 billion investment in Boone County, Richmond residents told they can return home, firefighters still checking for hotspots. Conversely, female home range size averages about 20 km2, or almost 8 square miles. Kelly says residents of an area where a bear has been spotted should secure their garbage in a garage or other building, not leave pet food or bird feed outside and clean and store barbecue grills. This behavior is the same as giving your pet a food reward for successfully completing a repetitive task. Bears in Kentucky usually den in rock cavities, hollow trees, or open dens in thick brush piles. Rogers said in generalKentucky bearsden up 2 months laterthan those in Minnesota,andKentucky bearsdo not go into such a deep hibernation. The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife has confirmed that the bear has been spotted north of Prospect, Kentucky. Black bears are known for their stocky bodies, shaggy coats, and iconic crescent-shaped ears. Hoosier Democrats, Republicans and insiders talk candidly about issues, the Indiana Statehouse and everything in between on Indiana Week In Review from WFYI Public Media. However, he adds Kentucky Fish and Wildlife advises the public to never approach or feed a bear, which can result in a negative encounter. These distinctive turtles are known for their hard, dome-shaped shells and colorful patterns. Its not just social media, Fugitive wanted in three counties arrested in Knox County. Send us your best photos for a chance to be featured. In addition to contributing to the likely death of that bear, you are also breaking the law. Bears will almost always find an escape route if they are left alone. Illinois Wild Animals Spotting: Where to Go? Definitely dont approach in anyway, just give them their space and theyll keep doing what they do.. In addition, home range area varies considerably between seasons due to significant shifts in food availability. But the chances of seeing an American black bear in Kentucky are increasing, especially in eastern and southeastern Kentucky, according to John Hast, bear program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the state agency charged with conserving, protecting and enhancing the states wildlife. Why are teen girls in crisis? Since that time, there has been a slight but steady increase in the number of males in each litter. WebIndices of Black Bear distribution in Kentucky, 19872010. Doing so will not only help us keep bears wild in Kentucky, but it just may save a bears life. Bears are now being equipped with GPS (global positioning system) radio collars that link with orbiting satellites to remotely collect locations at varying time periods. Black bears are powerful, large-bodied animals that grow to 46 feet in length when fully grown. Additionally, costs associated with the installation of an electric fence can be minimal when compared to potential losses in money by the destruction of honey and bees. Webster County Dispatch told 44News they got their first call about the bear around 11 a.m., about an hour after the first photo of the bear was shared on Facebook. Richardson said mature male bears push smaller ones out of their typical ranges this time of year to encourage them to find their own place to relocate. WebNever approach a bear! Black bears are extremely powerful animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. Consequently, cubs are born in late January while still in the den and weigh only ounces at birth. Bears are extremely curious animals as a likely result of their intensive learning process as offspring. Photo: Kentucky Black Bear sighting reported in Caldwell county, continues Leave the windows and doors open and let the bear find its way out, she added. Kelly says black bears have a natural fear of people and adverse encounters with people are extremely rare. When the acorns drop this fall, theyll want to be in a naturally wooded area which is what eastern Kentucky has, Hast said. The Return of the Grizzly: Could Minnesota See These Creatures Once Again? Keep in mind, however, that aggressive dogs could suffer injury or death if a physical conflict arises. Kentuckys state parks, scattered throughout the state, also offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. You do not want to make the bear feel threatened. If you do see a black bear, keep a safe distance. OREGON: Record-breaking Bull Trout Reeled in by Lucky Angler, Louisiana Wild Animals Lookout: Best Places to See Wildlife Down South. They are specifically designated for wildlife conservation and offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. the largest bear handled in Kentucky was a 480-pound adult male that was captured as a research animal during the summer of 2008. Hast thinks thats exactly what happened to this guy, spotted in Jessamine County over the weekend: This looks like about a 2-year-old bear, Hast said. Keep your distance. He said if you have domestic animals like cats or dogs, keep them inside. Small amounts of the toxic chemicals benzene, naphthalene, and butadiene have been found around the perimeter of the site. The advantage of this reproductive strategy is that females are able to devote all energy reserves towardmilk production at a time when natural foods are practically nonexistent. 1 talking about this. They are also known for their distinctive gobbling calls, which can be heard echoing through Kentuckys woodlands during the spring mating season. However, these feeders supply an easy food source and provide an easy meal for bears. Black bears are very curious animals and this should not be confused with In case of a bear encounter, Richardson recommends walking away slowly and going indoors if possible. It was big news because central Kentuckians are not accustomed to seeing bears in their neighborhoods. These graceful creatures are known for their distinctive white tail and reddish-brown coat. According to officials with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, there has been an increase in the numbers of black bears within the area, making it a common occurrence compared to previous years. As human development continues and bear numbers increase, however, interactions will be unavoidable. Biologically, male bears may reach maturity at three to four years of age, but their ability to breed is often limited due to the presence of older, more mature males. Yeah, this stuff youre seeing on social media the last few days is accurate.. In fact, bears possess a unique reproductive adaptation called delayed implantation that allows births to occur when females are generally in prime physical condition. Bears are extremely intelligent and quickly learn to associate people with food. Multiple bear sightings reported across central Kentucky. the radio collar on a hibernating bear Denning serves as a way for bears to not only survive but successfully produce offspring during the cold winter months when natural foods are almost nonexistent. If you want to take photos of bears or wildlife on a regular basis, invest in a telephoto lens so you dont need to be close to get a good shot. Valid hunting license and appropriate valid bear permits depending on season. While black bears can be tolerant of people, they should always be treated as the wild animals they are, whether in a residential or backcountry area. The copperhead snake (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a venomous snake that is common in Kentuckys woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Following these simple guidelines will minimize any unnecessary and potentially dangerous encounters. Copyright Interactions between humans and bears have increased over the last four years, with more people reporting bears foraging for food and entering homes, city No! With its diverse mix of hardwood forests, rugged terrain, and abundant water sources, Daniel Boone National Forest is home to a wide variety of animals. Bear sightings in Sierra Madre have increased in recent years, and city officials say they want the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to change its approach to dealing with the wild animals in the foothill community. CALDWELL COUNTY, Ky. (KFVS) - Photos show an apparent bear sighting near Princeton, Kentucky. If you do see a black bear, keep a safe distance. When camping in bear country, keep all food stored in a vehicle or away from tents. Instead, the proper storage of human-related foods and never feeding bears is the key. Getting too close to a bear may cause the bear to see you as a threat. Interactions between humans and bears have increased over the last four years, with more people reporting bears foraging for food and entering homes, city officials said. FBI arrests 2 men accused of establishing undercover police station in New York for China, Gov. Exercise caution and drive safely, as wildlife can sometimes cross roads unexpectedly. As a result, Kentucky is now home to a resident bear population that is experiencing considerable increases in both numbers and range. Photo: KY But, he said, he "wouldn't necessarily call them attacks.". Do not toss food scraps outside to feed pets; this is a strong lure for bears. Copyright 2021 KFVS. Consequently, it is important to remember that it is the odor of food items that first lure bears near homes or neighborhoods. WebTo date, the largest bear handled in Kentucky was a 480-pound adult male that was captured as a research animal during the summer of 2008. In their travels, young bears may also be lured by the smell of human-related foods. A black bear that was first confirmed last week in Henderson has now made its way south, through Webster County and Caldwell County into rural Hopkins County, following a reported sighting on Wednesday night in the Dunn Church area north of Dawson Springs and another on Thursday morning near Ilsley. Prevent any conflicts by treating bears with respect as they are wild animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. A young male American black bear took a stroll through the University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip into downtown Lexington. What to See? If you feed animals outside, make sure to not leave any food behind that might entice the bear. What residents are seeing is typical black bear behavior, Rich added. Located in south-central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is known for its sprawling underground cave system. When the habitat can support more bears, the sows bear more females. Black bears den for the winter months and typically emerge in late March or early April. The heaviest wild black bear ever reliably documented was an 880-pound, 10-year old male that was harvested on the coast of North Carolina in the fall of 1998. Bear sightings in Sierra Madre have increased in recent years, and city officials say they want the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to change its So, they tend to make a loop and end up where they started.. To report a bear sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife or 1-800-25-ALERT. Feeding bears is the worst thing that people can do when it comes to creating human-bear conflicts. Bears were also spotted last summer in Louisville. Weve got a really healthy bear population in our mountain counties, Hast said. Kentucky Historical Society, View from Tater Knob in Daniel Boone National Forest - Photo by Steven Dobey. They may also stand up to play The department explained why the bear may be wandering: "It is not unusual in the early summer for young male bears to wander well outside of the established bear range in eastern Kentucky. You can find more information on bears here. If you see a black bear from a distance, alter your route of travel. White-tailed deer are the most popular game animal in Kentucky, and hunting them is a cherished tradition for many residents. Wild turkeys are known for their strong flying ability and keen senses, making them a challenging game species for hunters. According to Hast, an uptick in bear sightings is actually pretty normal this time of year. Its a nice drive, Hast says, with exceptional views from north to south. UTICA, Ind. Chief Communications Officer Kevin Kelly Sightings are also rare, even if bears from neighboring states have been spotted throughout Kansas on occasions. Bears will often stand upright to obtain a better sense of smell. To report a bear sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife or 1-800-25-ALERT. Bears may wander for several weeks or more in pursuit of a good habitat and prospective mates before returning to the mountains. Where hes at or where hes been sighted, [the bear is] far out of his home range, Richardson said. The rural roads and scenic byways in the state, especially those passing through wooded areas, provide unexpected opportunities for wildlife viewing. Locate calving grounds away form forest edges, and enclose with electric fencing if possible. Lynn Reynolds, chief biologistand founder of the North American Bear Center and the Wildlife Research Center in Ely, Minnesotais delving into the issue after Tashabecame an ambassador (captive) bear in Minnesotawhenshe was orphanedafterher mother was killedby a truck. Research shows that male bears range over areas from 200500 km2; that is an area of approximately 77193 square miles! Male black bears are known to wander great distances, Morgan said. Bears have an incredible sense of smell and are likely being lured by some type of food attractant. Sierra Madre police responded to 130 calls about black bears making their way into residential areas in 2022, Capt. These impressive birds are known for their striking appearance, with males displaying a fan-shaped tail and wattled neck during courtship displays. Wildlife viewing should be accompanied by respecting the animals and their habitats and keeping a safe distance. The amended bill, Senate Bill 242, wouldnt allow local floodplain administrators to use the Indiana Department of Natural Resources maps to grant construction permits for two years unless landowners request them. So please, encourage your neighbors to follow these important precautions. Bears can travel 20 miles or more in a day if undisturbed. Since 2015, the state agency has confirmed three black bears in the Hoosier state. If a bear is reluctant to leave then proceed to throw rocks or other objects at the bear while continuing to yell. Bears are incredible diggers- irregularities in terrain should be filled in with heavy debris so as to prevent bears from crawling under low points. Rogers said Tasha has adjusted well to her life at theCenter. David Oppenheimer was relaxing in a chair outside his home when he turned to see something startling. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources website. Photo: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. We talked to Tom Ward with Caldwell County Animal Control. Females with offspring remain together throughout the second winter, and they again den as a family unit. Bears are naturally shy and elusive animals that generally avoid contact with humans. Black bear family in trash - Photo by Dave Huff. This sighting provides an opportunity for Hoosiers in the area to secure outdoor grills, trashcans, or pet and bird food," he said. When the acorns drop this fall, theyll want to be in a naturally wooded area which is what eastern Kentucky has, Hast said. Birdfeeders are often overlooked when it comes to minimizing human-bear conflicts in residential areas. Females with offspring generally emerge from dens in March or April. Damage to apiaries can be extensive and very costly if action is not taken quickly. To report a bear sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife at 800-858-1549 or email Info.Center@ky.gov. Bears wandered back into Kentucky after wildlife officials moved bears to nearby areas of Virginia and Tennessee, making homes in forests that grew up on areas logged earlier. According to CAMC, the sighting happened near Chesterfield Avenue in the area of the CAMC LabWorks, Gastroenterology, and new Center for Learning and Research. Help protect Kentuckys bears by being responsible and following our guidelines for living in bear country. In fact, almost all pet injuries are the result of bears attempting to obtain pet food, rather than attempt to intentionally harm the pet itself. Running from a black bear will likely trigger a natural instinct to chase. Since 1998, the KDFWR has received sighting and nuisance reports from 54 Kentucky counties. While variant color phases may exist, bears are typically black with a brown muzzle and may exhibit a white patch on their chest. Currently, black bears are the most abundant and widespread of all eight bear species in the world. Fortunately, all of these negative patterns of behavior can be prevented by eliminating access to human-related foods. The first rule is that you want to make your presence known by yelling and shouting at the bear in an attempt to scare it away. The sad truth, however, is that food-conditioned and habituated bears live considerably shorter lives as a result of so much time spent near people. Make sure the bear has a clear escape route. Leave it alone. Black bears are more common to be spotted in eastern Kentucky. Burn grills clean after each use and keep themfree of grease. If approached by a bear- stand your ground, raise your arms to appear larger, and yell until it leaves the area. Their current range also includes the entire eastern region of the Commonwealth along the Southern Appalachian Mountains bordering Virginia and West Virginia. Sightings in Kentucky are relatively rare, but they are a thrilling sight for nature enthusiasts who are fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures in the wild. When they emerge from dens, natural foods are scarce and often bears are lured by the smell of human-related foods. At about 16 months of age, the yearling bears disperse soon as the mother comes into estrus in preparation for the breeding season. Black bears are primarily solitary animals that are skilled at foraging for food, with a diet that includes nuts, berries, insects, and small mammals. The threat is possible, however, and simple precautions can eliminate this unnecessary problem. After females are bred in June, the fertilized eggs remain in a state of arrested development and are not implanted in the uterus until the fall. Litters are produced every other year and cubs generally weigh only 816 ounces at birth. This is just a way for us to verify for people. You can find more information on bears here. Bear population growth rate figures come from extrapolating data from numerous sources, including a research program conducted by the University of Tennessee (UT), Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the U.S. Forest and Park services and the U.S. Geological Survey. Officials in the city of Dixon, Kentucky, are advising the community to be cautious after a bear was spotted in the area. In those instances, bears may have to be trapped, relocated, or even killed. Contrary to some beliefs, however, todays growing population is not the result of a restocking effort. Best in Kentucky Destination Highlight Great Outdoors Kentucky Eats Worth The Trip, Byron Crawford Commonwealths Gadgets & Gizmos Kentucky Kids Smart Health Uniquely Kentucky, Incentives & Rebates Business Spotlight Co-op Community Co-Operations Co-ops Care Cutting Cost Energy Guides KAEC CEO Our Power Safety Moment. All rights reserved. To date, the largest bear handled in Kentucky was a 480-pound adult male that was captured as a research animal during the summer of 2008. John Hast, bear program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, says with a little luck, you can see a bear on the Little Shepherd Trail, a winding mountain roadway that runs from Whitesburg to Kingdom Come State Park. Use solar chargers as a power source if bee yards are left unattended for extended periods. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife confirms bear tracks have been spotted in southern Henderson County. I'm sorry, you need to leave!'". Bear sightings are on the rise in Kentucky. If that lure is strong enough, and food is successfully obtained, then bears may very likely make it a habit to visit those types of areas for food. Bear sightings in Sierra Madre have increased in recent years, and city officials say they want the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to change its approach to dealing with While relocation is an option to the immediate issue it will not solve the underlying problem. This expansive area is home to diverse habitats, including dense woodlands, open meadows, and marshes. Tasha was roaming around in MarchRogers said, but then we had an unusually warm March. Unfortunately, bears can become so tolerant and bold around people that issues of human safety arise. Clear overhanging branches from bee yards to prevent bears from climbing into fenced areas. This comes nearly a month after a bear was seen Bear sightings in Sierra Madre have increased in recent years, and city officials say they want the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to change its approach to dealing with Extensive research has shown electric fencing to be extremely effective at deterring nuisance behavior by bears. Consequently, bears that filtered into Kentucky from our Southern Appalachian neighbors had access to large, remote tracts of quality forest habitat. Each winter, department biologists collect important research information and monitor the bear population in southeast Kentucky, using radio collars to track female bears to their dens. Officials with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife have confirmed reports a black bear was spotted in Webster County Wednesday. Despite what some people think, black bears do not naturally occur in trashcans or a persons backyard in the middle of town. Visitors may spot deer, squirrels, turkeys, raccoons, and black bears. Slowly back away while facing the bear at all times. The black bear (Ursus americanus) is a large and powerful mammal that is native to Kentuckys forests and mountains. Eastern box turtles are known to have a long lifespan, with some individuals living for over a century. From the rolling hills of the Bluegrass region to the rugged mountains of eastern Kentucky, state parks provide diverse habitats. Could suffer injury or death if a physical conflict arises ) is a large and powerful mammal that is to. Potentially dangerous encounters food along riverbanks end up where they started space and keep. Despite what some people think, black bears are the most popular game animal in Kentucky,.! The KDFWR has received sighting and nuisance reports from 54 Kentucky counties their. 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