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. (AP) A black bear that's been spotted in northern Kentucky may venture into Indiana by taking a swim across the Ohio River, state wildlife officials say. Litters are produced every other year and cubs generally weigh only 816 ounces at birth. With claws seldom greater than 1.5 inches in length, black bears are actually the most efficient climbers of all the worlds eight bear species. OREGON: Record-breaking Bull Trout Reeled in by Lucky Angler, Louisiana Wild Animals Lookout: Best Places to See Wildlife Down South. Mackenzie Rich, a human wildlife conflict specialist with the fish and wildlife department, said a bear's nose is 100 times more sensitive than a human's nose, and bears can sniff out a bag of fast food in a locked car or cooked food in a kitchen. Black bear family in trash - Photo by Dave Huff. 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. Copyright 2020 WKYT. Officials with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife have confirmed reports a black bear was spotted in Webster County Wednesday. Photo: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. 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. That's just south of Clark County, Indiana, along the Ohio River and because bears are strong swimmers officials said it may cross the river into Indiana, the News and Tribune reported. Births occur in January while the female is denning. Ultimately, relocating bears is not an effective long-term management tool. Running from a black bear will likely trigger a natural instinct to chase. And like the early pioneers, we have a choice to make.. Black bears are known for their stocky bodies, shaggy coats, and iconic crescent-shaped ears. Its a nice drive, Hast says, with exceptional views from north to south. Store birdfeed inside or in a sturdy, enclosed structure. The home range of black bears in Kentucky can exceed 80 square miles. Do not leave garbage on a deck or porch, even if it is screened; doing so will only result in a bear on your deck or a torn screen. They are excellent climbers and are often seen scaling trees or exploring for food along riverbanks. Bears are incredible diggers- irregularities in terrain should be filled in with heavy debris so as to prevent bears from crawling under low points. 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. To report a bear sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife or 1-800-25-ALERT. Habituated bears are often killed by poachers or struck by vehicles because they frequent residential areas. The parks diverse landscapes with forests, prairies, and rivers, are home to a variety of animals. Feeding bears creates behaviors in those animals that are almost impossible to correct. See if you can answer this science question: Would an American Black Bear born in Kentucky hibernate according to the climate she was born into or adjust her hibernation to the weather conditions she is living in. They are known for their excellent sense of smell and are often attracted to human food sources, such as garbage cans and bird feeders. From majestic mammals to elusive reptiles, Kentuckys wild animals are a sight to behold. Black bears, like this one pictured in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Suffolk, Virginia, are rarely seen in Indiana. Damage to apiaries can be extensive and very costly if action is not taken quickly. The most successful measures to alleviate human-bear conflicts must, therefore, be proactive and be put into effect before a problem develops. Female black bears typically reach sexual maturity at three years of age, depending upon their physical condition. Kentucky Wildlife Diversity: Where to Find Wild Animals? Unfortunately, bears can become so tolerant and bold around people that issues of human safety arise. Wild turkeys are known for their strong flying ability and keen senses, making them a challenging game species for hunters. This is because males leave the territory in which they are born, while females traditionally share space within the mothers territory. Bears will almost always find an escape route if they are left alone. He says the black bear tracks are likely the same bear spotted in Webster County. In the fall, a diet of hard mast composed of acorns and beechnutsallows thebears to put on extraordinary fat reserves that enable not only survivalbut cub production, during the denning season. Yeah, this stuff youre seeing on social media the last few days is accurate.. Weights among bears are extremely variable, however, and are determined by food availability and the time of year. The eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) is a fascinating reptile that can be found in Kentuckys woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. (AP) A black bear that's been spotted in northern Kentucky may venture into Indiana by taking a swim across the Ohio River, state wildlife officials say. Bears will move on after realizing there is no food to be obtained. Located in south-central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is known for its sprawling underground cave system. at Kingdom Come State Park, bear-proof Consequently, bears that filtered into Kentucky from our Southern Appalachian neighbors had access to large, remote tracts of quality forest habitat. 2. Daniel Richardson, a conservation officer with the state wildlife department, said the bears arent trying to harm people. Help protect Kentuckys bears by being responsible and following our guidelines for living in bear country. Black bears are more common to be spotted in eastern Kentucky. Thats one of thescientific queriesTasha,born in southern Kentucky,is answering for bear biologists. Keep your distance. 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. UTICA, Ind. All bear species have an incredible sense of smell. Chief Communications Officer Kevin Kelly tells the News Edge the bear was sighted near Dixon after biologists confirmed bear tracks in southern Henderson County earlier this week. As bear numbers increase, so may the occurrence of black bears in towns or local municipalities. 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. Store pet food inside or in a solid, enclosed structure. If you see a black bear from a distance, alter your route of travel. I'm sorry, you need to leave!'". If you see those behaviors you are too close! Photo: KY These situations generate serious public safety concerns, however, when viewers encroach upon bears and leave no obvious path of escape. They are skilled hunters and feed on a diet of small mammals, insects, and amphibians. 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).. He says its not unusual in the early summer for young male bears to wander well outside of their established bear range in eastern Kentucky. It's coming directly at you. City officials intend to vote on a proclamation this month that would urge the state to update or enhance its policies for a sustainable managed bear population. Rogers said Tasha has adjusted well to her life at theCenter. Raccoons are notorious for their mischievous behavior and are a common sight in many parts of Kentucky. If you feel a bear is posing an immediate danger, they ask you call local law enforcement. These graceful creatures are known for their distinctive white tail and reddish-brown coat. There is no reason that you should ever be within 150 feet of a bear. In years of poor acorn production, however, females may not be able to store adequate fat reserves and reproduction can be significantly decreased. This sighting provides an opportunity for Hoosiers in the area to secure outdoor grills, trashcans, or pet and bird food," he said. Offspring remain with their mother for the entire year after birth and generally throughout the second denning season. It is suspected that growing bear numbers in McCreary County are the likely result of population expansion from the BSF in Tennessee, which was home to an experimental release of 14 female bears from Great Smoky Mountains National Park from 19961997. While there have been other studies, Alston says this was the first to encompass what biologists believe to be the entire range of this population of bears. 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. 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.. He said if you have domestic animals like cats or dogs, keep them inside. State and local officials broke ground Monday on a $3.7 billion Eli Lilly manufacturing facility in Boone County. According to Hast, an uptick in bear sightings is actually pretty normal this time of year. Eastern gray squirrels are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, from dense forests to suburban neighborhoods. The threat is possible, however, and simple precautions can eliminate this unnecessary problem. 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. 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. Be responsible and help us keep bears wild in Kentucky! (AP) A black bear that's been spotted in northern Kentucky may venture into Indiana by taking a swim across the Ohio River, state wildlife officials say. Black bears are known for their stocky Bears in Kentucky usually den in rock cavities, hollow trees, or open dens in thick brush piles. Do not store garbage or other potential foods outside as odors will attract bears. The older bears want to fight and the female bears arent interested in them, so they go on these walkabouts.. To learn more about advertising with Kentucky Living, contact us. 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. Black bears are extremely powerful animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. Unless garbage is properly stored another bear will move in and the problem will start all over again. Eastern Kentucky is the most likely place to spot a bear, although Hast says he would not be surprised to see a bear in any county. Ward is unsure if its the same one seen near Rend Lake, but he did say bears can travel a lot. When camping in bear country, keep all food stored in a vehicle or away from tents. Feed outside pets only enough food for one meal at a time. Notify the KDFWR immediately if you witness aggressive behavior by black bears! This ability is critical to bear survival as climbing is an important adaptation that enables bears to obtain food, locate suitable denning habitats, and escape from predators. Doing so will not only help us keep bears wild in Kentucky, but it just may save a bears life. The remainder of their diet typically consists of insects and any animal material discovered while foraging. Photos of the bear in Caldwell County, Kentucky were taken However, he adds Kentucky Fish and Wildlife advises the public to never approach or feed a bear, which can result in a negative encounter. In addition to contributing to the likely death of that bear, you are also breaking the law. CALDWELL COUNTY, KYKentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife conservation officers and biologistsreceived reports Saturday afternoon about bear sightings in Princeton, Kentucky. More importantly, you can help stop the cycle of food-conditioned and human-habituated behaviors that bears learn when feeding near human dwellings. The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a highly adaptable and omnivorous mammal that is commonly found in Kentuckys forests, wetlands, and urban areas. The first thing to realize is that the bear is simply going after an easy meal. These areas are carefully managed to provide habitats for various wildlife species like white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, and other mammals. Unlike Kentucky's sighting, wildlife officials haven't confirmed the southern Indiana report as a bear, because the security footage is more grainy. Since that time, there has been a slight but steady increase in the number of males in each litter. Access to garbage, pet food, and intentional feeding creates behaviors in bears that are neither safe for humans nor beneficial to bears. Bears are powerful animals and they may damage property in their pursuit of human-related foods. The bears appear emboldened and have caused property damage and eaten livestock. There is almost always a safe escape route when bears enter towns. 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. This will often trigger its natural instinct to chase. David Oppenheimer was relaxing in a chair outside his home when he turned to see something startling. The black bear (Ursus americanus) is a large and powerful mammal that is native to Kentuckys forests and mountains. Multiple bear sightings reported across central Kentucky. around them. Keep your distance. Visitors may spot deer, squirrels, turkeys, raccoons, and black bears. 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. In addition, home range area varies considerably between seasons due to significant shifts in food availability. Leave the windows and doors open and let the bear find its way out, she added. CALDWELL COUNTY, Ky. (KFVS) - Photos show an apparent bear sighting near Princeton, Kentucky. Black bears are extremely powerful animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. Conservation officers and biologists advise the public to never approach or feed a bear. But, he said, he "wouldn't necessarily call them attacks.". They can also be hard to see in tall grass. 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. Since 2015, the state agency has confirmed three black bears in the Hoosier state. The best thing to do is identify the attractant and remove the source. At that point the safety of other people becomes a concern because they may have absolutely no interest in having a bear in their yard. They are specifically designated for wildlife conservation and offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Henry Amos said Tuesday at a City Council meeting. This is actually for the benefit forher young, as adult males will often kill smaller bears during the breeding season. All rights reserved. It was big news because central Kentuckians are not accustomed to seeing bears in their neighborhoods. While once extirpated from Kentucky, black bears were reintroduced to the state in the 1990s and have since made a remarkable recovery. Fortunately, all of these negative patterns of behavior can be prevented by eliminating access to human-related foods. Shout and throw sticks or rocks in the vicinity of a bear to encourage flight once an escape route has been established. A nearby man took care of her for months but did not have the permits to keep her. Clear growing vegetation away from the lowest as this will ensure a closed circuit and render maximum charge upon contact with the fence. All rights reserved. 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. Biologists believe this is likely the same bear. Another bear showed up in Jessamine County. Unfortunately, those sources are almost always a direct byproduct of human-related foods. 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