In the event of an attack, fight back using everything in your power - including fists, sticks, rocks, or any other debris. While variant color phases may exist, bears are typically black with a brown muzzle and may exhibit a white patch on their chest. CALDWELL COUNTY, KYKentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife conservation officers and biologistsreceived reports Saturday afternoon about bear sightings in Princeton, Kentucky. Currently, black bears are the most abundant and widespread of all eight bear species in the world. Of course, sheis fednatural foods such as nuts and berriesand peanut butteras well. 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. That is especially true if there is ready access to garbage or other human-related food sources during the winter months. If a bear approaches you in the wild, it is likely only trying to assess your presence. Eastern Kentucky has seen another bear sighting. In years of poor acorn production, however, females may not be able to store adequate fat reserves and reproduction can be significantly decreased. If a person does encounter a bear in the wild, it's best to back away with hands at the hips and leave the bear an open escape route, Rich said. Richardson said mature male bears push smaller ones out of their typical ranges this time of year to encourage them to find their own place to relocate. Do not store garbage or other potential foods outside as odors will attract bears. Bears were also spotted last summer in Louisville. JESSAMINE CO., Ky. (WKYT) - Bear activity is on the rise across central Kentucky. This comes nearly a month after a bear was seen The timing of den entry varies considerably and is primarily determined by sex, reproductive condition, and fall food availability. From the rolling hills of the Bluegrass region to the rugged mountains of eastern Kentucky, state parks provide diverse habitats. Lobby your local municipal government for the use of bear-resistant containers. Bears will move on after realizing there is no food to be obtained. The breeding season occurs from June to mid-July and males will breed with as many females as possible. As bear numbers increase, so may the occurrence of black bears in towns or local municipalities. The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is a familiar sight in Kentuckys woods and fields. The copperhead snake (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a venomous snake that is common in Kentuckys woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Make sure the bear has a clear escape route. Unlike Kentucky's sighting, wildlife officials haven't confirmed the southern Indiana report as a bear, because the security footage is more grainy. Research shows that male bears range over areas from 200500 km2; that is an area of approximately 77193 square miles! Their current range also includes the entire eastern region of the Commonwealth along the Southern Appalachian Mountains bordering Virginia and West Virginia. 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. (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. Biologically, male bears may reach maturity at three to four years of age, but their ability to breed is often limited due to the presence of older, more mature males. Black bears are primarily solitary animals that are skilled at foraging for food, with a diet that includes nuts, berries, insects, and small mammals. In addition, bears have become increasingly common in McCreary and surrounding counties expanding outward from junction of the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (BSF). The home range of black bears in Kentucky can exceed 80 square miles. Ward said, from what he can tell, the bear is about 1 or 2 years old. Black bears are known for their stocky bodies, shaggy coats, and iconic crescent-shaped ears. Today, they are considered a threatened species in Kentucky and are protected by state regulations. And second, yearling bears are now on their own trying to establish a suitable home range. The bears appear emboldened and have caused property damage and eaten livestock. 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. Getting too close to a bear Tasha was roaming around in MarchRogers said, but then we had an unusually warm March. As a result, Kentucky is now home to a resident bear population that is experiencing considerable increases in both numbers and range. Favorite insect items include grubs and underground yellow jacket nests, which bears often dig up to consume this protein-rich food source. Keep your distance. Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife 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. The great majority of their time is spent alone and on a seemingly endless quest for food. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife maintains an extensive amount of information about black bears on its website. This sighting provides an opportunity for Hoosiers in the area to secure outdoor grills, trashcans, or pet and bird food," he said. Litter size is also affected by the saturation of bears within a habitat. When this occurs, bears may become habituated to people and lose their natural fear of humans, which creates potentially dangerous situations. at Kingdom Come State Park, bear-proof Nuisance behaviors learned as a cub will often stay with that bear for life. If a bear has continued access to garbage in a neighborhood, for instance, it may become increasingly dependent on that food source. To learn more about Bear Hunting in Kentucky, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. Dogs can be a great deterrent for keeping curious bears out of your yard. Store garbage in a closed structure and put it out the morning of garbage pickup, not the night before. The eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) is a fascinating reptile that can be found in Kentuckys woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Wildlife viewing drives, hiking trails, and camping areas offer excellent opportunities to observe these animals in their natural environments. Some counties saw a 20% growth rate in the number of American black bears last year, Hast says. The bear will again expect to be fed because you have taught it to associate people with food. But the health department said it's been below short-term exposure limits. "The intent is to show the state that the policies in place are not working for Sierra Madre," City Manager Jose Reynoso said. If you do see a black bear, keep a safe distance. If you do encounter a bear, keep a safe distance and never approach the bear. 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. On Monday, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife biologists confirmed bear tracks in southern Henderson County. However, he adds Kentucky Fish and Wildlife advises the public to never approach or feed a bear, which can result in a negative encounter. Bears will almost always find an escape route if they are left alone. Conditioned bears increasingly rely on human-related foods. UTICA, Ind. Consequently, bears spend vast amounts of time moving in search of food, cover, mates, and denning habitat. Black bears are solitary animals with the exception of individual family units or breeding pairs during the June-July breeding season. 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. The good news is black bears arent aggressive, in fact, theyre easily spooked. 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 Iowa Wild Animals: What are They and Where to See Them? Dont approach the bear, dont shoot the bear, you know, the bear is just passing through, he said. Thats why Hast and bear biologists in 20 Southeastern states have created Bearwise.org. He says the black bear tracks are likely the same bear spotted in Webster County. Determining exact numbers is complicated, Hast says. 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 the wild animals in the foothill community. He graduated from Hopkinsville High School in 2019. Locate calving grounds away form forest edges, and enclose with electric fencing if possible. A black bear that was first confirmed last week in Henderson has now made its way south, through Webster County and Caldwell County into rural Hopkins County, following a reported sighting on Wednesday night in the Dunn Church area north of Dawson Springs and another on Thursday morning near Ilsley. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife 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. Eastern box turtles are a cherished sight for nature enthusiasts and are protected as a threatened species in Kentucky. In Kentucky, adult females usually weigh between 120170 pounds, while adult males average 250350 pounds. Following these simple guidelines will minimize any unnecessary and potentially dangerous encounters. Go online to fw.ky.gov and search under the key words, black bear, or click here. There, they assess the litter and the health aspects of both mom and cubs, Hast says. Residents and visitors to Kentucky need to be responsible, so negative behaviors in bears are not encouraged. Black bears are very curious animals and this should not be confused with aggression. Problems may be further addressed by purchasing or constructing a bear-resistant garbage container. 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. Cubs grow rapidly as their diet consists exclusively of high-calorie and fat-rich milk provided by the mothers fat reserve from the previous winters hard mast consumption. The department said these sightingsfollow other recent reports in the region. Kentucky Wildlife Diversity: Where to Find Wild Animals? Make your presence known by yelling at the bear and slowly back away without turning your back. 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