People are asked to be mindful of black bears around Kentucky this summer.
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources said sightings of black bears can occur outside of their primary range in eastern Kentucky, especially in the early summer. Young black bear males leave their primary range in the spring and summer to establish new homes and search for mates.
The bears might be seen on farms, in residential areas and occasionally in towns or cities.
John Hast, Bear Program coordinator for Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, said in a news release as young males roam out of the mountain counties, they can sometimes find themselves accidentally entering an urban area. These bears typically lay low during daylight hours and move to exit the city at night. Allowing the bear to wander out of town is generally the safest approach for the bear and the residents.
There are bear populations in both eastern Kentucky and the Ozarks region in Missouri. The bears may wander for several weeks. According to a news release, the bears can travel 20 miles or more in a day, if undisturbed.
Hast said if a bear is encountered anywhere, and especially in an urban area, people should keep their distance and remove any food sources that might encourage the bear to stay around.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife said black bears have a natural fear of people and dogs, and adverse encounters are extremely rare. People shouldn’t approach or feed a bear.
Source: WDRB
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