Videos of black bears rummaging through trash cans, raiding bird feeders and running around backyards looking for food are becoming more common on social media.
While these videos are entertaining to watch on your phone or device, a direct encounter with a black bear is no fun. It can be very dangerous.
Black bears are alive and well across the U.S. A study compiled by the International Bear Research and Management Association found increased contact with humans in 18 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Virginia.
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Additionally, data compiled by the International Bear Research and Management Association revealed that in 2022, more than 46,000 incidents were reported to state agencies across the U.S.
“We’re seeing increased encounters with many wildlife species, especially large mammals, due to human encroachment into their habitats,” said Tommy Campbell, a wildlife biologist in Estes Park, Colorado.
The study found that wild black bears can be found in many states, with sightings increasing in 18 of those states. (iStock)
Black bears are one of the most widely distributed large mammals across North America, and the bears are becoming accustomed to encounters with humans, he said.
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“They’re less scared of humans than they used to be because they’re encountering humans more frequently,” Campbell told Fox News Digital.
Here’s what else you need to know:
Why black bear encounters have increased so much
Most bears run away from humans, but some that live near humans become habituated and appear to be indifferent, said Lt. Aaron C. Morrow, state game warden and information and education supervisor for the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Northeast District in Dallas.
Sightings of wild black bears are becoming more common in the US, and they’re even being spotted in some unlikely places, like gardens and trash cans. (iStock)
“Bears that are habituated to humans may be drawn to backyards if there is food available,” he noted.
Bird feeders, trash cans and backyard grills can all attract bears, he said.
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“Bears that learn to feed on food provided by humans often become a nuisance, cause property damage and increase the risk of encounters between humans and bears,” he said.
Lt. Morrow recommends removing attractants to reduce attraction to your property, an action that usually helps prevent this problem.
If you spot a black bear, experts advise keeping your distance and remaining calm. (iStock)
“Unsafe food sources, trash cans, bird feeders, backyard grills – these are the biggest contributing factors to bear sightings in residential areas,” he warned.
What to do if you encounter a black bear
If you do encounter a black bear, it is important to first keep your distance and remain calm.
Also, try not to disturb bears.
“Do not run,” Lt. Morrow said. “Running can get you chased. Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to move away. Give the bear an escape route.”
He said people should keep a safe distance from bears and try to scare them off by making loud noises, yelling or banging pots and pans.
Experts recommended not running away from the bear, but walking slowly in the opposite direction. (iStock)
Once the bear has gone, take precautions.
“Secure all food sources, including bird feeders, pet food and trash cans, and also ask your neighbours to secure and remove attractants,” he further said.
Encounters don’t always happen in residential areas: hikers and hunters may encounter a black bear.
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Mary Beth Skyliss, an avid backpacker and wildlife enthusiast from Colorado, came across three black bears along the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia while hiking in Shenandoah National Park.
“Proceeding with respect for them is the best way to stay safe.”
“I rounded a bend in the trail and saw a mother bear and her two cubs halfway up a tree,” Skyliss said. “She wasn’t too happy to see me, but she was just keeping an eye on me to make sure I didn’t get too close.”
She added: “I made sure to keep a good distance from her, not get between her and the cubs and stayed calm and out of her way. Animals like bears are usually not aggressive, they’re just protective, so I found that respecting them and walking away was the best way to stay safe.”
Experts warn that if you’re hiking or camping in bear territory, don’t lure bears with food. (iStock)
She also said, “Don’t stop for a selfie.”
And just as Lt. Morrow warned across the country, if you are in bear-infested area, do not lure the bear out with food.
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Instead, Skyliss says people should pay attention to how they manage their food.
“All trash should be disposed of in bear-proof containers, which are often available in bear-infested areas,” she continued.
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“The less incentive they have to come for our food, the better.”
Don’t believe the myths about bears in particular.
Black bears tend to avoid contact with humans.
But if you are attacked by a predatory black bear, do not have According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website, the fish was pretending to be dead.
There have been many reports of black bear sightings and encounters recently, so be sure to follow these safety tips from experts: (iStock)
“If a black bear attacks in an aggressive manner and physical contact is made, fight back aggressively, focusing on the face, eyes and nose,” the same source said.
Another strategy for staying safe, the National Park Service recommends, is to seek refuge in a safe place like a car or building.
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“If you are unable to escape, try to fight back with anything available,” the park service stressed.
“Focus your kicks and blows on the bear’s face and snout.”
