Bear cubs don’t need your help. Safety tips for bear encounters in the state of Ohio
Are folks alright?
A group of residents at an Asheville North Carolina apartment complex were recently seen pulling two bear cubs out of a tree, thinking they were rescuing them from harm.
Colloquially, we’re supposed to understand the volatility of a “mama bear” and the inherent danger of disturbing her babies. But these folks promptly forgot everything they’ve ever been warned about when they thought they might get a good selfie with the babies.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission issued a warning April 18. “Even if you don’t see the mother bear, she could be nearby, and the cubs are waiting for her to return.”
Leading bear and game mammals expert and surveys supervisor Colleen Olfenbuttel went on to caution, “By trying to capture a bear cub, you may cause it to become orphaned, injured or both, as we saw occur in this incident.”
Are bears even in Mahoning?
Fortunately, the chances of running into a bear in Ohio are slim. Unfortunately, the chances in Mahoning or Trumball are higher than nearly any other county in the state.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, black bears were wiped out of Ohio in 1850, thanks to overharvest and habitat loss. But the population is making a comeback.
“On average, over the past 10 years the Division of Wildlife has received 167 black bear sighting reports per year,” according to a Division of Wildlife Ohio black bear monitoring report released in 2023. “Sightings were the highest on record in 2022 with 285 sightings in 52 counties.”
Mahoning County has been a hotbed for bear activity.
“In particular, northeast Ohio counties bordering Pennsylvania (Ashtabula, Trumbull, and Mahoning counties) have consistently documented active bears,” reported the Division of Wildlife.
From 1993 to 2022, Mahoning had 57 reported sightings. In Trumbull, there were 138 bear sightings in the same period.
Practice polite viewing etiquette
While most people do not (or rather, should not) actively remove bear cubs from a tree or their natural habitat, it does beg the question, “what should I do if I see a bear?”
According to The National Park Service you should absolutely, positively try NOT to see a bear, ever.
However if an encounter is inevitable, there are some precautions to take:
Behave as if you’re a visitor in their home… because you are.
Respect their space - employ binoculars to keep a safe distance.
Keep your distance - the standard is at least 100 yards. If a bear changes its behavior suddenly, that is a signal that you are too close.
Leave “orphaned” or sick bears alone - unlike the above onlookers, you should assume there is a mother or other animal close by.
Don’t bring pets to view bears.
Tips for when you encounter a bear in the wild
Speak low and calmly so he knows you’re a human and not a prey animal.
Scoop up small children immediately and keep their voices low.
Make yourself as large as possible and wave your arms around in the air.
DO NOT RUN - you do not want to be identified as prey. Move away in a sideways motion.
Keep your backpack on - it can provide protection from a physical attack.
Purchase bear pepper spray as a precaution.
How do brown/grizzly bear attacks differ from black bear attacks?
Brown/grizzly bear: keep your backpack on and PLAY DEAD. Assume a face down position with your hands behind your back. Spread your legs so it’s harder for the animal to turn your body over and remain still. You shouldn’t fight back because this can sometimes increase intensity. But if the attack persists, then you should do what you have to do to escape.
Black bear: Contrary to the strategy for brown bears you should definitely NEVER PLAY DEAD. Concentrate on blows to the face and muzzle as that may disorient it long enough for you to escape.
This story was originally published April 23, 2024 at 5:00 PM.
