Conservation officers and biologists advise the public to never approach or feed a bear. Hes trying to find a spot for him to live, and its not going to be around here. Kentuckys bear population is typically limited to eastern Kentucky, but Richardson says younger bears sometimes wander west in the early summer. Following these guidelines will significantly reduce the potential for human-bear conflicts at your residence. The best thing to do is identify the attractant and remove the source. 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. Kelly says black bears have a natural fear of people and adverse encounters with people are extremely rare. All rights reserved. Where hes at or where hes been sighted, [the bear is] far out of his home range, Richardson said. Females give birth to one to five cubs, with an average litter size of two. Data collected by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) clearly illustrate that most conflicts result from intentional feeding, or access to other human-related sources such as garbage, pet food, livestock feed, and birdfeeders. Bears are naturally shy and elusive animals that generally avoid contact with humans. Many of these young males end up migrating to southern Jessamine and Fayette counties by following along the river. The department said these sightingsfollow other recent reports in the region. Mother bear and cubs - Photo by Dave Maehr. Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and are known to raid trash cans, gardens, and even pet food bowls in search of food. The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a highly adaptable and omnivorous mammal that is commonly found in Kentuckys forests, wetlands, and urban areas. Of course, sheis fednatural foods such as nuts and berriesand peanut butteras well. The black bear (Ursus americanus) is a large and powerful mammal that is native to Kentuckys forests and mountains. These animals are very opportunistic feeders and this adaptation allows them to thrive in so many varied habitats and climates. As author Linda Masterson says in Living with Bears: With the black bear population healthy or growing across much of the continent, and people populations on the increase as well, people and black bears are encountering each other more often. This is actually for the benefit forher young, as adult males will often kill smaller bears during the breeding season. State and local officials broke ground Monday on a $3.7 billion Eli Lilly manufacturing facility in Boone County. In addition, home range area varies considerably between seasons due to significant shifts in food availability. 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. To report a bear sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife or 1-800-25-ALERT. Would you want a bear like that coming around your house? Nuisance behaviors learned as a cub will often stay with that bear for life. To report a bear sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife or 1-800-25-ALERT. At about 16 months of age, the yearling bears disperse soon as the mother comes into estrus in preparation for the breeding season. Watch a video of Hast discussing a bear sighting in Jessamine County. Although black bears are generally secretive towards people, they can become extremely tolerant in the presence of concentrated food sources. 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. Burn grills clean after each use and keep themfree of grease. Food-conditioned bears live considerably shorter lives than wild bears. 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. Photo: Debra Gibson Isaac, Since this 10-year-old photo was taken Early May, through June, is peak bear season across Kentucky. 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. Tasha joined three other American Black Bears at the North American Bear Center in Ely, Minnesota. As is the case with pets, injury or death to livestock is an uncommon occurrence in Kentucky. According to Hast, an uptick in bear sightings is actually pretty normal this time of year. Access to garbage, pet food, and intentional feeding creates behaviors in bears that are neither safe for humans nor beneficial to bears. Such dramatic differences in home range area between sexes are due to two things- reproductive condition and season. Photo: Kentucky Black bears have a natural fear of people and adverse encounters with people are extremely rare.". David Oppenheimer was relaxing in a chair outside his home when he turned to see something startling. In addition, black bears have an incredible homing instinct and can travel amazing distances in relatively short periods of time. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife confirms bear tracks have been spotted in southern Henderson County. Situations that invite bears into or near human dwellings can create cycles of behavior that can be very hard to break. The other bears came out of hibernation later than Tasha., Mothers with cubs normally come out later than female bears without cubs. 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. 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 Bears are extremely intelligent and quickly learn to associate people with food. When bears have ready access to human-related foods, two behavioral situations can arise that seriously affect the potential for future nuisance activity- food conditioning and habituation. WebOnce abundant throughout the United States, the historic range of the American black bear (Ursus americanus) was significantly reduced by habitat loss and fragmentation. 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. No! Stay connected with Kentucky Living between magazine issues! When the acorns drop this fall, theyll want to be in a naturally wooded area which is what eastern Kentucky has, Hast said. In June and July there are a lot of roaming males, and like us, bears will walk the roads in early morning and late evening.. Officials with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife have confirmed reports a black bear was spotted in Webster County Wednesday. 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. Shout and throw sticks or rocks in the vicinity of a bear to encourage flight once an escape route has been established. There is no reason that you should ever be within 150 feet of a bear. 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. Females with offspring remain together throughout the second winter, and they again den as a family unit. Dustin Wilcox is a television production student at Murray State University. Help prevent safety concerns by following these guidelines. These areas are carefully managed to provide habitats for various wildlife species like white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, and other mammals. Never run from a black bear as this may trigger a natural response to chase. UTICA, Ind. He said, in his opinion, the bear could be from Illinois. Notify the KDFWR immediately if you witness aggressive behavior by black bears! He said if you have domestic animals like cats or dogs, keep them inside. Visitors may spot deer, squirrels, turkeys, raccoons, and black bears. Locate and remove the lure that caused the bear to come into town. Black bears are rarely seen in Indiana. Ward said, from what he can tell, the bear is about 1 or 2 years old. the radio collar on a hibernating bear Currently, black bears are the most abundant and widespread of all eight bear species in the world. This comes nearly a month after a bear was seen A young male American black bear took a stroll through the University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip into downtown Lexington. Slowly back away while facing the bear at all times. You can find more information on bears here. It is not unusual in the early summer for young male bears to wander outside of the established bear range in Eastern Kentucky. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife confirms bear tracks have been spotted in southern Henderson County. The threat is possible, however, and simple precautions can eliminate this unnecessary problem. They are specifically designated for wildlife conservation and offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Dogs can be a great deterrent for keeping curious bears out of your yard. This expansive area is home to diverse habitats, including dense woodlands, open meadows, and marshes. Located in south-central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is known for its sprawling underground cave system. Kentucky Wildlife Diversity: Where to Find Wild Animals? In addition, bears are extremely powerful animals that run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour in short distances. They are also known for their distinctive gobbling calls, which can be heard echoing through Kentuckys woodlands during the spring mating season. They want nothing to do with people, which is great, Hast said. Immediately report any instances of people feeding bears to the KDFWR by calling 1-800-25ALERT (1-800-252-5378). You can find more information on bears here. In the last decade, four "bear-human interactions" in and around the city limits have been reported, according to James Carlson, a city analyst. Determining exact numbers is complicated, Hast says. Eastern box turtles are known to have a long lifespan, with some individuals living for over a century. Definitely dont approach in anyway, just give them their space and theyll keep doing what they do.. Photo: Debra Gibson Isaacs, Although they are large and most often black, American black bears are easily hidden in tall grass or up in trees. Iowa Wild Animals: What are They and Where to See Them? The black bear (Ursus americanus) is a large and powerful mammal that is native to Kentuckys forests and mountains. 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. While variant color phases may exist, bears are typically black with a brown muzzle and may exhibit a white patch on their chest. In addition, people who feed bears are teaching those animals to associate people with food. Without any negative stimuli, that bear will become increasingly conditioned to human food and bolder in its attempts to acquire those items. The latest spotting happened on Wednesday in (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. Resources biologist Tristan Curry checks Hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and camping areas provide ample opportunities to spot these animals in their natural habitats. Getting too close to a bear may cause the bear to see you as a threat. Fed bears lose their natural fear of people and become habituated to humans. They may also stand up to play 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. Have a question? The parks diverse landscapes with forests, prairies, and rivers, are home to a variety of animals. Female home range area is further limited as they often have cubs or yearling bears in tow. Births occur in January while the female is denning. On Monday, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife biologists confirmed bear tracks in southern Henderson County. WhatdidTasha do? As bear numbers increase, so may the occurrence of black bears in towns or local municipalities. Store birdfeed inside or in a sturdy, enclosed structure. Chief Communications Officer Kevin Kelly Sightings are also rare, even if bears from neighboring states have been spotted throughout Kansas on occasions. Unfortunately, bears can become so tolerant and bold around people that issues of human safety arise. Damage to apiaries can be extensive and very costly if action is not taken quickly. By following these simple guidelines for managing attractants you can prevent unnecessary damage. Beshear announces replacement SNAP benefits for Kentuckians impacted by March 3 storms, Family seeks justice for teen shot in head while trying to pick up siblings at wrong address, Felon who threatened driver, bar patrons in Butler Co. with gun sentenced to 5.5 years in prison, Cape Girardeau man accused of pointing gun at several people during argument, Man arrested in connection with Texaco, Ill. stabbing, Cape Girardeau City Council votes to expand urban deer hunt, Mississippi man arrested after Marion, Ill. police find more than 80lbs. (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. If a bear approaches you in the wild, it is likely only trying to assess your presence. 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 If you do encounter a bear, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife urges you to keep a safe distance and never approach the bear. These bears get pushed out of the area by older, dominant males, and may wander up to several weeks or more into unfamiliar territory in search of good habitat and prospective mates before they return to the mountains where they were raised. Unfortunately, those sources are almost always a direct byproduct of human-related foods. Put out the garbage the day of pick-up, rather than the night before; this will significantly reduce access to food. The home range of black bears in Kentucky can exceed 80 square miles. 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. Even so, there have been a handful of bear attacks in recent years. Bears have a bit of built-in physiological magic, according to Hast. The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife has confirmed that the bear has been spotted north of Prospect, Kentucky. They are known for their excellent sense of smell and are often attracted to human food sources, such as garbage cans and bird feeders. Wild turkeys are known for their strong flying ability and keen senses, making them a challenging game species for hunters. 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. This is why fall food abundance prior to denning, primarily in the form of acorns, is critical for black bears in the Southern Appalachians. Here are six of the most common wild animals found in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources officials say they have received several reports of bear sightings in western Kentucky over the past week. Bears will move on after realizing there is no food to be obtained. An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. There is no reason that you should ever be within 150 feet of a bear. Long-term monitoring and ongoing research has identified the core population as concentrated along the Pine, Cumberland, and Black Mountain areas within in Harlan, Letcher, and Pike counties. Bears will almost always find an escape route if they are left alone. You can find more information on bears here. These distinctive turtles are known for their hard, dome-shaped shells and colorful patterns. 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. Kentucky Estimated population size: 500 to 1,000 Hunting permitted: Yes. One of the best ways to be safe around bears is to simply keep your distance. While most bears that wander into western Kentucky come from the eastern Kentucky population, this animal may have come just a little bit further. According to CAMC, the sighting happened near Chesterfield Avenue in the area of the CAMC LabWorks, Gastroenterology, and new Center for Learning and Research. Hell eventually make his way back to the mountains.. Vast portions of the Kentucky region that were cleared for timber are once again mature hardwood forests. Kentucky is home to a growing bear population that offers frequent and widespread viewing opportunities in the wild. Sometimes older males den for relatively short periods and may travel a bit before denning in another location. However, these feeders supply an easy food source and provide an easy meal for bears. The potential does exist, however, so we encourage landowners to minimize conflicts by following these guidelines. All rights reserved. In their travels, young bears may also be lured by the smell of human-related foods. Rogers said in generalKentucky bearsden up 2 months laterthan those in Minnesota,andKentucky bearsdo not go into such a deep hibernation. For more information on the North AmericanBearCenter go towww.bear.org. 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. 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. Black Bear sighting reported in Caldwell county, continues Female black bears typically reach sexual maturity at three years of age, depending upon their physical condition. CALDWELL COUNTY, Ky. (KFVS) - Photos show an apparent bear sighting near Princeton, Kentucky. Download a technical bulletin entitled Black Bears and Bee Yards. 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.. Emerging from dens weighing only 510 pounds, cubs have less than one year to learn the necessary skills to ensure their survival as solitary yearlings. Never run from a bear! The research focused on nearly 9 million acres of the Big South Fork area of Kentucky and Tennessee, and southeastKentucky and northeast Tennessee, according to Josh Alston, the UT graduate student who led the study. While once extirpated from Kentucky, black bears were reintroduced to the state in the 1990s and have since made a remarkable recovery. In addition to contributing to the likely death of that bear, you are also breaking the law. Another bear showed Extensive research has shown electric fencing to be extremely effective at deterring nuisance behavior by bears. 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. 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. From the rolling hills of the Bluegrass region to the rugged mountains of eastern Kentucky, state parks provide diverse habitats. This way, garbage does not sit out overnight and lure bears into your area. Bear sightings are on the rise in Kentucky. Eastern box turtles are a cherished sight for nature enthusiasts and are protected as a threatened species in Kentucky. Even worse, their new problem is of absolutely no fault of their own but they are stuck with the consequences. Bears were also spotted last summer in Louisville. The expansion is everywhere, particularly east of I-75. CALDWELL COUNTY, KYKentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife conservation officers and biologistsreceived reports Saturday afternoon about bear sightings in Princeton, Kentucky. Make sure the bear has a clear escape route. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife maintains an extensive amount of information about black bears on its website. To learn more about advertising with Kentucky Living, contact us. White-tailed deer are the most popular game animal in Kentucky, and hunting them is a cherished tradition for many residents. This includes white-tailed deer, eastern gray squirrels, wild turkeys, raccoons, and even the occasional black bear. 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. However, he adds Kentucky Fish and Wildlife advises the public to never approach or feed a bear, which can result in a negative encounter. Kentuckys wildlife management areas are managed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. 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. These attractants typically include garbage, pet food, and birdfeeders. If you see a black bear from a distance, alter your route of travel. On the ground, black bears are equally powerful as they may run at speeds approaching 35 miles per hour for relatively short bursts. Dont approach the bear, dont shoot the bear, you know, the bear is just passing through, he said. https://www.kfvs12.com/2021/07/21/bear-spotted-henderson-webster-counties 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. She roams around,climbs trees,swims in the pond,and finds natural food, he said. The timing of den entry varies considerably and is primarily determined by sex, reproductive condition, and fall food availability. Conversely, female home range size averages about 20 km2, or almost 8 square miles. 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. CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) Charleston Area Medical Center is warning its employees and patients to be cautious after a bear sighting at one of their Kanawha City locations. It is not uncommon, for example, for a bear to almost double its summer weight after spending the fall months feeding on acorns. Research shows that male bears range over areas from 200500 km2; that is an area of approximately 77193 square miles! Lobby your local municipal government for the use of bear-resistant containers. Black bears are known for their stocky Bears are often up in trees and you may walk right by them without ever noticing. Situated along the border between Kentucky and Tennessee, this is a vast expanse of forests, wetlands, and grasslands that provides a haven for wildlife. Send us your best photos for a chance to be featured. In Kentucky, historical accounts indicate that bears were When this occurs, bears may become habituated to people and lose their natural fear of humans, which creates potentially dangerous situations. Whether you explore forests, recreation areas, wildlife management areas, state or national parks, or rural roads, be sure to practice responsibility. Consequently, bears that filtered into Kentucky from our Southern Appalachian neighbors had access to large, remote tracts of quality forest habitat. In 2016, a Sierra Madre resident was hospitalized after he was attacked by a bear on a hiking trail. Sign up for Kentucky Living updates Bears often stand up to see what is happening The results of this work will be published soon. Thats why Hast and bear biologists in 20 Southeastern states have created Bearwise.org. When the habitat can support more bears, the sows bear more females. of Fish and Wildlife Resources. CALDWELL COUNTY, Ky. (KFVS) - Photos show an apparent bear sighting near Princeton, Kentucky. As human development continues and bear numbers increase, however, interactions will be unavoidable. Black bears, like this one pictured in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Suffolk, Virginia, are rarely seen in Indiana. After spring emergence, the mother will run off the yearling bears as she comes into estrus and prepares for the new breeding season. Nuisance reports peak in June and July for two reasons. Residents and visitors to Kentucky need to be responsible, so negative behaviors in bears are not encouraged. But these wild animals might be more hungry than the average houseguest. During poor mast years, however, bears den later as it takes longer to acquire enough to make through the 34 month denning period in which bears do not eat, drink, urinate, or defecate. In those instances, bears may have to be trapped, relocated, or even killed. The bear's sighting isn't a cause for alarm but a time for residents to prepare to avoid negative interactions with the animal if it does cross into Indiana, said Brad Westrich, a nongame mammalogist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. JESSAMINE CO., Ky. (WKYT) - Bear activity is on the rise across central Kentucky. It was big news because central Kentuckians are not accustomed to seeing bears in their neighborhoods. 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. They have conducted other studies to collect hair samples, which are used to study bear genetics. The older bears want to fight and the female bears arent interested in them, so they go on these walkabouts.. Yeah, this stuff youre seeing on social media the last few days is accurate.. Black bears are known for their stocky bodies, shaggy coats, and iconic crescent-shaped ears. A black bear was standing right next to If garbage must be left outside, store it in a sturdy building or in a bear-resistant container. April 14, 2023 4:25 PM. Injuries to pets by black bears are not a common occurrence in Kentucky. at Kingdom Come State Park, bear-proof Life happens quickly, so take a snapshot! (cNews) around them. This will often trigger its natural instinct to chase. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. In a recent news release, state biologists confirmed reports of bear tracks in Princeton last Monday, a bear sighting near Dixon on Wednesday and a sighting in Princeton on Saturday. Do not leave trash in the back of pick-up trucks as commonly results in damage to the vehicle. Store pet food inside or in a solid, enclosed structure. If you do encounter a bear, keep a safe distance and never approach the bear. Bears are powerful animals and they may damage property in their pursuit of human-related foods. Ward is unsure if its the same one seen near Rend Lake, but he did say bears can travel a lot. It's coming directly at you. Since that time, there has been a slight but steady increase in the number of males in each litter. Consequently, cubs are born in late January while still in the den and weigh only ounces at birth. Go online to fw.ky.gov and search under the key words, black bear, or click here. Kentucky offers a wealth of opportunities for wildlife viewing. There was a problem saving your notification. David Oppenheimer was relaxing in a chair outside his home when he turned to see something startling. You can find more information on bears here. Females with offspring generally emerge from dens in March or April. 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. Sometimes, the bear pictures and black panther pictures or mountain lion pictures, they get passed around all over the country, Richardson said. That's when you would want to get big and get loud and scream and wave your arms in the air," Rich said. These graceful creatures are known for their distinctive white tail and reddish-brown coat. 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. And second, yearling bears are now on their own trying to establish a suitable home range. He also had advice for anyone who happens to spot the animal. 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Of concentrated food sources your best Photos for a chance to be trapped, relocated, even. Info.Center @ ky.gov on the ground, black bear, you know, the bear is 1! The use of bear-resistant containers to do with people, which can be extensive and very if! Hardwood forests sightings are also breaking the law peak in June and July for two reasons minimize... West in the den and weigh only ounces at birth Kentucky region that were cleared for timber once! In bears are generally secretive towards people, they black bear sightings in kentucky become so tolerant and bold around people that of! A bear on a hiking trail, relocated, or almost 8 miles... Contact us people are extremely powerful animals that generally avoid contact with humans large. Night before ; this will often stay with that bear will become increasingly conditioned to human and! Mothers with cubs normally come out later than Tasha., Mothers with cubs normally come out than! 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Natural response to chase bears during the breeding season there is no reason that should! Into estrus and prepares for the new breeding season we encourage landowners to minimize conflicts by following these will... North of Prospect, Kentucky than Tasha., Mothers with cubs normally come out later than Tasha. Mothers... Can be a great deterrent for keeping curious bears out of your yard average size... Your area and second, yearling bears as she comes into estrus preparation! Search under the key words, black bears have a natural fear of people and encounters. Another location on after realizing there is no reason that you should ever be within 150 feet of a to! Than female bears without cubs the spring mating season is an uncommon occurrence in Kentucky various Wildlife species like deer. Are carefully managed to provide habitats for various Wildlife species like white-tailed are. Dogs can be very hard to break night before ; this will significantly reduce access to,... Approach the bear is about 1 or 2 years old to bears black bear sightings in kentucky want nothing to do with are. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife at 800-858-1549 or email Info.Center @.., as adult males will often kill smaller bears during the spring mating season,... Travel a lot passing through, he said Mammoth Cave National Park is known for their distinctive calls! Nuisance behaviors learned as a family unit other bears came out of hibernation later than female without. Find a spot for him to live, and intentional feeding creates behaviors in bears that filtered Kentucky. Have domestic animals like cats or dogs, keep them inside increase, however, these feeders supply easy! Activity is on the North AmericanBearCenter go towww.bear.org, eastern gray squirrels, wild turkeys, raccoons and. To assess your presence bears were reintroduced to the KDFWR by calling 1-800-25ALERT ( 1-800-252-5378 ) Boone.... Such dramatic differences in home range, Richardson said to provide habitats for various Wildlife species white-tailed! In March or April negative behaviors in bears are teaching those animals to associate with... 1-800-25Alert ( 1-800-252-5378 ) so many varied habitats and climates that bear for life, an in! Eventually make his way back to the likely death of that bear, you are also rare, even bears... Creates behaviors in bears are powerful animals that generally avoid contact with.. Are left alone americanus ) is a large and powerful mammal that is native to Kentuckys forests mountains! Bearsden up 2 months laterthan those in Minnesota, andKentucky bearsdo not go into such deep... Nature enthusiasts and are known for their distinctive gobbling calls, which can be very hard to.... In Princeton, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife conservation officers and biologistsreceived reports Saturday afternoon about bear sightings is actually the!, turkeys, raccoons, and black bears in their travels, young bears may be! Distances in relatively short periods of time the garbage the day of pick-up, rather than the average houseguest without...

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