Black Bear awareness 101
Georgians Encouraged to Prepare for Possibility of Spring Bear Sightings

(Above) This black bear stares for the camera near the woods in Towns County.

Black bear images spark a wide array of human emotions. Curiosity and awe come to mind for some; caution and fear emerge for others. When observed in populated areas, panic proves the most common reaction. Yet, as spring approaches and the likelihood of bear sightings increases, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) encourages residents to educate themselves by being "bear aware."

As the human population continues to grow and expand, and as we settle into areas shared by a variety of wildlife species, including the black bear, it is only natural that we increasingly observe black bears in urban settings.

"A black bear sighting is something that few people ever forget - especially when it is in your backyard. Human populations have grown and expanded into areas traditionally inhabited by bears and when conflicts arise, it is the bear that, unfortunately, is perceived as a threat or nuisance," says WRD Assistant Game Management Chief John W. Bowers.

(Below) The same bear is curious and searching for food.

"We encourage all Georgia citizens, especially those in known bear areas, to educate themselves about bears and bear behavior, be responsible and help prevent conflicts from occurring," says Bowers.

Black bears are most commonly found in three areas of the state - the north Georgia mountains, the Ocmuglee River drainage system in central Georgia and the Okefenokee Swamp in the southeast. However, black bears can and do range over larger areas in search of food, especially in the spring, when natural food sources are scarce. Young male bears are also known to roam larger areas in an effort to establish their own territory.

Because black bears are omnivorous, their diet consists of whatever food is readily available at any given time of year. Thus, black bears are reasonably attracted to the scents of human food, pet food, birdseed, beehives and even compost piles, especially in springtime, when natural food source availability is low. When bears can easily obtain such non-natural food sources, they begin to associate humans with food and as a result, lose their innate fear of humans. WRD encourages residents to heed the following tips in an effort to minimize bear attractants and lessen the likelihood of nuisance bears:

+NEVER, under any circumstances, feed a bear. Such activity is unlawful.

+Keep items such as grills, pet food or bird feeders off-limits to bears. Clean and store grills when not in use, keep pet food indoors and take bird feeders down if bears are in the area.

+Make sure trashcans are bear-proof or kept indoors.

+When camping or picnicking, keep your site clean. Never leave food or coolers unattended. Never keep food in or near your tent. Store food in properly sealed containers and whenever possible, store these containers in a vehicle. If camping in backcountry areas, hang packs or food bags at least ten feet off the ground and at least four feet from the trunk of a tree.

"The Division receives numerous calls each year regarding bear sightings and requests for bear relocation," says Bowers. "Relocation is seldom a solution. For example, relocated bears often attempt to return to the same territory, other bears may move into the vacated area and adult male bears often kill other bears, especially young males, when relocated into new territory. Therefore, relocation should only be considered in extreme cases."

WRD encourages residents to initially alert WRD officials of the bear's presence, and advises residents to take the actions previously described to resolve nuisance bear problems. Most often, if residents remove the attractant, the bear will move on and not return. However, if the bear persists for several days, residents should contact the nearest WRD Game Management office, in Towns County that is David Webb 706-379-1336.

Though the American black bear (Ursus americanus) is now considered the most common bear in North America and in Georgia, at one point the species was nearly eradicated from the state due to poaching and habitat loss. Yet, because of sound wildlife management practices, Georgia's current black bear population hovers around 2,200.

As a wildlife educational tool, WRD offers an informational DVD entitled, "Where Bears Belong: Black Bears in Georgia." The DVD provides general information on black bears, covering life cycles, natural habitat, traditional roaming grounds and relocation, and is available for checkout at most libraries across the state.

For more information regarding black bears, visit the WRD Web site at www.georgiawildlife.com, contact a WRD Game Management Office or call (770) 535-5700.