Due to the addition of several females, the population has been growing and has almost tripled as of 2020. Too often people become afraid for their lives, so they call the authorities, and bears get confused by human reactions and often end up "treed" amidst a public-media circus before being allowed to wander away on their own. Others bears found in Alaska are Brown Bears and Polar Bears. Grizzlies once lived all over the state, but now there are only a few who live in the northern and eastern parts of the state. General Description. Avoid camping and hiking alone in the backcountry. Conflicts arise as roaming bears come into contact with humans unfamiliar with bears and their ways. Install electric fencing around the yard or even just your vegetable garden. It may help to raise your jacket or backpack to make yourself look bigger. 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 20192. People have been expanding into the northern part of the state over last 20 years, so there are no isolated forest areas anymore for the bears. As far as I can determine there is no estimated population in Wyoming, we only know that there is a robust and healthy population of Black Bears in the state. Many people visit Yellowstone National Park just to get a glimpse of these magnificent beasts. Alaska has a larger population of Black Bears than any other U.S. state by far with an estimated 100,000 or more. As a result, adult black bears can weigh anywhere from 45-250kg. The American Black Bearis a widely distributed North American mammal that holds spiritual significance for many different cultures. Black Bears are still the largest carnivorous animals in most U.S. states. A lot of times thats a first instinct, but it can trigger a chase response, Stengenga said. Where do grizzly bears live? If there is an easy meal lying around, a bear will take advantage of it.. Unlike the black bear, the grizzly is not shy around humans. What should you do if you see a bear? The average male black bear can range from about one hundred fifty pounds up to about five hundred fifty pounds. But for the other 11 months of the year and in the greatest part of South Carolina, bears are not hunted and are free to roam wherever they want. Compared to coastal counties, the Upstate region typically sees about double the amount of bear-human contacts every year. I live in the Pacific Northwest and am surrounded by nature. I also leverage zoology to become an educator, educating others about the importance of protecting our natural environment and the beauty of animals in their natural habitats. Right now, bears are on the prowl for food since their natural food sources, such as blueberries, blackberries and cherries, are just starting to ripen, Stegenga said. Black bears are the largest land mammals in South Carolina. There is potential for Black Bears in any forested area in the state of Pennsylvania, as there have been bear sightings in every county in the state. The same techniques used to discourage bears from getting into mischief around homes will also work with other types of wildlife, especially raccoons. In the parks one primitive campsite, people must store food and trash themselves by hanging it in a tree and packing it out. Bears have been known to take leisurely swims in pools. They are opportunistic feeders and eat fruits, nuts, insects, honey and anything else that will provide them with sustenance. If you run into a bear, its usually one of two reasons: Hes startled, or hes coming to a food source like campsites, or picnic area, Wactor said. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem's population was 728 bears as of 2019. "Just use common sense," Still said. 2023 www.greenvilleonline.com. In the Big Bend area of Western Texas there are thought to be at least 30-40 breeding bears, so the Black Bear population in Texas is low either way. In an incident in March in the Graveyard Fields area of North Carolinas Pisgah National Forest, a bear came into a campers tent and took a backpack. Like in a trash can, there are loads of calories here that a Black Bear would love. The Forest Service is still monitoring bear activity in the area and havent had any additional encounters since the bear snatched the backpack in March, McCombs said. North America's bear areas map: This map shows the overlapping geographic ranges of three types of bears that inhabit North America - polar bears, black bears, and grizzly bears (also known as brown bears). Grizzlies live in various habitats, including forests . Learn what to do if a black bear comes to your yard here. August 2008: A bear was shot and killed after attacking an 8-year-old boy in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Look for them in swamplands and forested areas such as Okefenokee Swamp and the Blue Ridge Mountains. 2015 All rights reserved. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com. The population is managed by the DNR in Minnesota and the reduction in population was due to hunting. Never feed a black bear, or any wild animals for that reason. Tests have shown these will stop a charging bear if sprayed into the bear's eyes, nose and mouth. Have some feedback for us? The bears in Michigan are protected by law and the population is managed by The Department of Natural Resources, hunting is allowed with the proper license. Human and bear interaction was a problem but has lessened over the years. The South Carolina coast has seen a major uptick in black bear sightings recently and experts at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources ( SCDNR) are asking residents to beware. Can a Dolphin Kill a Shark? Theres an estimated 750-1000 bears living in the state, but they can also be found in the neighboring states of Texas, Mississippi, and possibly even Southern Arkansas. There are an estimated 55,000 Grizzly bears in North America. The number of females having cubs has remained stable since 1996, which means the bears may be at the right capacity for the park. South Carolina has a brief black bear hunting season open only during October in its mountain counties - Greenville, Oconee and Pickens. Conservation efforts have increased grizzly populations in all these states, and grizzlies have set up breeding populations beyond their conservation areas. The following 9 states currently do not have breeding populations of Black Bears, but they may have sightings from time to time. The most important thing to remember is to not leave any food sitting around if youre camping. The key to dealing with bears, Still said, is not giving them a reason to hang around. They have an extremely varied diet that can include: The grizzly bear is built for longevity. If a bear approaches, move away slowly; do not run. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Mississippis Black Bear population is thought to be between 100 and 150 bears. Watch as the bears, including a Grizzly Bear and a family of Syrian Brown Bears, rotate in and out of their shared exhibit. Black Bears are typically very skittish and afraid of humans so chances are he will run away. The new trash bins are at all the picnic areas and two campgrounds. Even something like shampoo or toothpaste can attract them. FOIA | Privacy Policy Male black bears are bigger than females. Black bears and grizzly bears have many things in common. There are 2 subspecies in the state, both the American Black Bear and the Louisiana Black Bear. During hibernation, bears do not eat, drink, defecate, or urinate and may lose one quarter to one third of their body weight. If you come around a corner and surprise them, just get up on a rock or log and make yourself look bigger, throw something at them, blow a whistle, wave your arms; just appear bigger than they are, wave arms. The eastern population is into the mountainous regions of the Smoky Mountains and the cumberland population is shared with Kentucky to the north. As tourism increases, Klosowski says visitors should enjoy the state but remember to keep some distance between you and the wildlife. "If you feed a bear, either on purpose or accidentally, then they come to associate man with food, and that's not good," Still said. RAPID CITY, S.D. Im not sure honestly, let me know in the comments if you do. Visitors should be aware that all bears are potentially dangerous. It is the only state in the country where all three species of North American bears live. Having grown in recent years, the Black Bear population in New Hampshire is estimated to be 6,100 currently. Since 2001 South Dakota has seen an increase in bear sightings. He knows the difference between a grizzly and a black bear, and swears he saw a grizzly three years ago, a few miles north of where I hiked. 10. We will make changes to the policy when appropriate. Increasing development is rapidly diminishing the bears habitat, Kayla Brantley, coastal bear biologist at SCDNR, said. Remember these tips when visiting forests and other woodlands in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina: Do not store food in tents or items with an odor (such as shampoo and toothpaste), and do not eat in tents. Black bears aren't just limited to the Northwoods of Wisconsin -- they've also been spotted in the south. Theyre looking for natural food sources. However, DNR recommends the following safety tips to keep black bears away from your yard: If you see a black bear, never approach it. Grizzly bears have stricter requirements for their habitats than the more adaptable brown bears. We recommend hiking in groups, not only in case folks encounter some dangerous situation with an animal but there could present danger from falls, rattlesnakes, or other things like that, becoming disorientated or lost, Klosowski said. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. Most grizzlies are a medium brown color, but they can range from a very dark brown (almost black) to a light honey brown color. The Black Bears of Rhode Island were completely gone not that long ago, however they have been making their way back into the state from neighboring Connecticut. Now there are believed to be at least 5-10 adult bears that are breeding and repopulating certain areas of the state like Providence County, Washington County and Kent County where the majority of bear sightings in the state occur. Grizzly Bear: This image shows the distinctive hump that is located on a grizzly bear's back between the front shoulder blades. Table Rock saw a nearly 8 percent increase in visitors in 2014, up to 332,660 from 308,132 a year earlier. Black Bears are highly intelligent mammals that have shown problem solving skills. This should be obvious, bears are known for digging through trash. Required fields are marked *. Polar Bears: A momma polar bear with two cubs following close behind. The grizzly bear population hit a low of 136 in 1975 due to excessive killing. Its good to work with the backcountry office (call 865-436-1297) to plan trips since they can tell you about recent bear activity, said Brent Everitt, Smokies spokesman. (You can report it here!) Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. In the case that you arent home and a bear wants in your house, dont make it easy. However, if contact appears unavoidable, do not play dead. Black bears exist in these areas so the griz obviously wasn't being outcompeted in that environment, so why woukd they get outcompeted in the east? They are also found in a few small areas in the southwest and southeast. Throw rocks. They are more dangerous because they don't have much contact with humans - so they may see us as prey when they are hungry. If grizzlies can range as far south as Mexico and inhabit desert areas like Texas and Arizona than the hibernation/fish hypothesis seems bunk. Dont forget to empty kiddie pools too. Once Abandoned And Left To Decay, The Darlington Post Office In South Carolina Has Been Restored To Its Former Glory, The Saluda Riverwalk Trail In South Carolina Leads You Straight To A Beautiful Island, The Adorable Childrens Bookstore In South Carolina, The Storybook Shoppe, Is Every Bookworms Dream, Few People Know South Carolina Was Home To The First Public Library In America, The First Sighting Of A Tegu Lizard Measuring More Than 2.5 Feet Has Just Been Reported In South Carolina, These 5 Out-Of-Place Creatures Have Been Spotted In South Carolina And Youll Want To Steer Clear, Here Are The 10 Most Dangerous Places In South Carolina After Dark, Some Of The Worst Drivers In The Nation Are Found In Three Top Cities In South Carolina According To A New Study, Facebook/South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Robert Winkler / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images. Today, the state is home to more brown bears than any state except Alaska. They also reproduce slowly and have only one to four cubs each year. As with other U.S. states, Black Bears are common to all forested areas in Washington outside of the Columbia basin. "There are way too many people in each state for any of the stereotypes to be true of the majority of the people there. But in the last 30 years that population has 10xd, with the latest estimates being at 20,000 or more in the state today. In the fall, they will transition to eating acorns. North Cascades National Park, Washington. California is thought to have the largest Black Bear population in the lower 48 states with an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 bears that occupy 52,000 square miles of land. Map showing historical and current grizzly bear range in North America. The state operates four different Game Zones, two of which allow bear hunting: Zone 1 and Zone 4. Grizzly bears are a threatened species in Montana: Despite their large size and formidable reputation, grizzly bears are a threatened species in Montana, and their populations have been in decline for many years due to habitat loss and other factors. The number of bear sightings hasnt been this high on the coast since 2009 before SCDNR implemented a limited-entry hunting season for black bears in the coastal region. But most people don't realize that bears are found all over South Carolina - even in the counties along and near the coast. 1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201 According to Maryland.gov we know that Black Bears are found mainly in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Fredrick counties within Maine. These bears are much more aggressive than a black bear. Do not feed pets outside or store any pet or livestock food outside. Black Bears in Colorado are often blonde, cinnamon or brown in color. Historical and current grizzly bear range in North America. The only species of bear found in Arizona is the Black Bear. They will try to avoid humans as much as humans try to avoid them. On the coast, Horry County had the most bear calls/ sightings in 2020 with 137 a considerable increase from 2019 when it had 76 calls for bear sightings. Black Bears typically spend the majority of their days foraging for food. Since 2020, eight people have been killed by grizzlies in the Yellowstone region. Shown Here: Introduced in House (03/03/2023) Science-Based Grizzly Bear Management Act of 2023. Idahos mountainous and forested regions make a wonderful home for these animals. One of the bears attracted to the area had to be relocated 90 miles away but was back within a week. In fact, 33 percent of South Carolina black bear encounters were because of trash. Secure it, tie it up on a tree limb, or put it in a car trunk, because bears have an excellent sense of smell. The first 10 years, you never saw a bear, but over the last several summers it gets to be pretty regular to have bear sightings, Stegenga said. The difference is regional: bears found inland are referred to as grizzlies, while those on the coasts are known as brown bears. It is a large bear that is native to North America. 9 U.S. states that do not have Black Bear populations: The following population estimates were taken from state government websites and other authoritative sources. Wed love to know where you saw it and approximately when, so leave some feedback here, too! The state has an estimated 30,000 grizzlies. What Noises Do Foxes Emit? They are very fast, they are very agile if you get too close, they can be on top of you in a very short period of time, Klosowski said. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources - Rembert C. Dennis Building Your email address will not be published. The length of their hibernation and how deep of a sleep they go into varies. Black Bears are not true hibernators, but rather go into torpor. Black Bears are a vital part of the ecosystem in the state, but the population must be managed to reduce the risk of human and bear conflicts. Home General Geology Where do bears live? The Regional Wildlife Supervisor for South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks, Mike Klosowski, says black bears are the only type of bear in the state, and like so many visitors, they are new to town . There have also been sightings further east and state officials confirm that black bears are slowly making their way through the state as their numbers increase. For more information on dealing with black bear encounters, go to the Web site http://www.enr.gov.nt.ca/_live/pages/wpPages/Safety_in_Grizzly_and_Black_Bear South Carolina is home to an estimated population of around 800- 1400 black bears. The grizzly is known for its large size and aggressive behavior. Black Bear and Grizzly Bear Characteristics in Yellowstone, Polar Bear Adaptations and Characteristics. I stopped in Platoro, the collection of summer vacation cottages on the edge of the wilderness, on my way home. Black Bears in Georgia are either found in the far northern or southern parts of the state with some pockets in Central Georgia. Bears may wander close to humans, but if you don't give them a reason to stay and eat, then very soon they're headed back to the forest." For the last few years, Horry County has consistently ranked among the top 3 fastest-growing counties in South Carolina. The population is stable and growing modestly with the bears begin found throughout the entire state. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska. The grizzly bear is a subspecies of brown bears and can weigh up to 800 pounds. Conservationists believe that attacks have increased because more people have moved into rural areas near bear habitats. This park in Wellford, SC is home to dozens of 'celebrity zooperstars'. They are commonly seen in mountainous and forested regions west of Denver such as Forest State Park. Violators face up to two years in prison or a $2,500 fine. Previously there were only 100 bears, which is why they were placed on the endangered list in the 1970s. Do not leave food or garbage inside fire rings, grills or around your site. The size of a bear can help identify it. The bears are expanding their population east further into Nevada from the Sierra Nevada mountains along the California border. Two conservation areas are home to about 40 bears. The grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) is also known as the North American brown bear. The Florida Black Bear (Ursus americanus floridanus), is a subspecies of the American black Bear (Ursus americanus). The grizzly bear and brown bear are members of the same species of bear. Keep bird feeders high off the ground and bring them in during bear season, from April to December. Defend yourself with whatever means are available. However, several sources have reported that Wyoming state officials plan to begin surveying the Black Bears within the state to get a better idea of the population. Reg. Black Bears are primarily found in the northwestern mountains of Montana, but also in areas of Southern and Western Montana. Recent evidence has shown that their population is growing and bears are more . 1,802,233 Views. Conservation efforts have focused on protecting the small number of remaining bears .Washingtons grizzly bears are spread among five conservation areas: the Selkirk Mountain Ecosystem, Northern Continental Divide, Cabinet-Yaak, North Cascades, and Bitterroot. In 2002, experts began taking a closer look at the black bears in Mississippi and at that time there were believed to be less than 50 bears in the state. South Carolina is home to one of the most diverse Ursidae species black bears! Still recommends storing pet food indoors and keeping garbage securely contained. This close call with a young man in the Smokies stresses how important it is for people to be bear aware and manage their food properly., Its very important to remain vigilant no matter where you are in the park. Black bear weight varies enormously depending on age, sex and time of year - black bears can be 30% heavier in autumn than they are in spring. April 2006: A bear attacked and killed a 6-year-old girl in Cherokee National Forest in East Tennessee. Phone Numbers | Accessibility | Black bears can be found as far south as central Mexico and as far north as northern Alaska and most of Canada. Grizzlies are protected under the Endangered Species Act and many state wildlife protection laws. But the population boom is affecting other species besides humans. In 2019, there were 250 black bear sightings in the Upstate and in 2018, there were 391. "Bear habitat keeps shrinking, and human habitat keeps expanding. They have special conservation areas close to Yellowstone National Park. There are an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 Black Bears in Minnesota today, which is sharply down from 25,000 in 2002. When you think Myrtle Beach, AKA the dirty Myrtle, black bears arent exactly one of the first things that come to mind. There are an estimated 4,500 bears in Massachusetts mainly living in Western and Central Massachusetts but their range is expanding to the east. Earlier this month, SCDNR posted a video (below) on Facebook of a family of bears invading a Myrtle Beach backyard and getting into the trash. The people population is also booming. Stegenga agrees with Wactor that there is bound to be encounters between people and bears, but the park is determined to keep all two- and four-legged creatures safe. Most charges are bluffs, and bears often stop or veer to the side at the last moment. There have been strict hunting regulations in place since 1927 in the state to help control the population of Black Bears in the state. In the late 1800s, black bears and grizzly bears were common in the western Black Hills. Want to contact Mandy? Thank you! Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. Of all the different types of bears, grizzly bears were never found in South Carolina due to the type of habitat preferred by this species. Like black bears, they were hunted almost to extinction in some areas, and they are still threatened by habitat loss. The bears in the Northeastern part of the state having only shown up in recent years and have moved into the state from Northwest Georgia. It is illegal to buy or sell any bear parts in South Carolina. "This is certainly first time in recent history we've captured a bear in Big . Photographer Lisa Landenburger USGS - IGBST Explore Search Ecosystems Adult grizzly bears are normally solitary except when breeding or when females have dependent young, but they are not territorial and home ranges of adult bears frequently overlap. Bears are an iconic symbol of wildlife in the United States, and they have a broad range of habitats across South Carolina. Mandy also hosts the Murdaugh Murders podcast. Although there is believed to be breeding populations in only about 3/4 of the state. This article from 2015 by the Roanoke Times quotes a wildlife biologist with the DGIF as saying there are as many as 17,000 Black Bears in Virginia, however the National Park Service suggests there are closer to 5,000 or 6,000. Who to believe? 7 Examples of Animals With Small Ears (Shown in Pictures), What is a Group of Kangaroos Called? At some point in the 1990s though, they started making their way back into the state from Arkansas. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS If bear-proof containers are not available, store food and garbage inside, high in a tree that is away from camp, or in a car trunk. 3 fastest-growing counties in South Carolina. You can also find Grizzly Bears in Idaho, but they are more scarce and only found in a, Fun Fact: Coastal NorthCarolina is home to the, 10 Common Spiders in Oregon (With Pictures). Brown and black bears were commonly found in South Carolinas forests until their populations began to decline as a result of increasing human presence and development. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska. These animals are known to be native to the area and can often be found across much of the state. In 2000 a study was to conducted to determine the Black Bear population in Maryland it was then believed that there were approximately 266 to 437 bears living in the state. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. GREENVILLE - Although there has never been a recorded bear attack on a human in South Carolina, wildlife officials and park managers are reminding people that bears do live in the Upstate,. However, the Dirty Myrtle reputation might have something to do with it. The homeowner, who was known by local wildlife managers . Bears are an iconic part of South Carolinas wildlife population. I work on research projects related to species conservation and endangered species protection. Grizzlies are typically found in western Canada and the United States, but they have been known to wander into Mexico. The Regional Wildlife Supervisor for South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks, Mike Klosowski, says black bears are the only type of bear in the state, and like so many visitors, they are new to town. Shes an investigative journalist from Kansas who has worked for newspapers in Missouri, Illinois, and South Carolina before making the switch to FITS. The state of Tennessee has two main Black Bear populations; the Appalachian Population, and the Cumberland Population. In addition, a substantial number of grizzly bears reside in northern Canada and Alaska. Yellowstone Grizzly Bear population is around 150 individual bears. The growing bear population has been closely monitored in Maine for many years. The good news is that black bears are shy, evasive and non-aggressive toward people, DNR officials said. In fact, SCDNR received 93 percent more bear-related calls in 2020 (176) than it did in 2019 (91) in Horry, Georgetown, Williamsburg, Berkeley, Charleston counties. The position of the Hallucigenia's head puzzled scientists for several years. Maine has a larger population of Black Bears than any other New England state by far with an estimated 24,000 to 36,000 bears living in the state. They provide interest and entertainment, as well as a healthy reminder to respect the power of nature. However, the largest black bear ever recorded in the Palmetto State was 609 pounds, according to SCDNR. Alaska has the most grizzlies by far. The increase in bear sightings in the southern part of the state is a relatively new happening over the last few years, but it's becoming more common, said David MacFarland, a . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are believed to be 2,000 or more bears in Oklahoma today. That's roughly two-thirds the weight of a horse and only half as big as their distant cousins, the grizzly and polar bears. They are intelligent, curious, and individualistic. There are over 4,000 Black Bears living in the forests and mountains of Utah. Consider carrying a chemical repellent, commonly referred to as "pepper spray." Grizzly Bears. Always be on the lookout for signs, whether its scat or freshly chewed-up berry bushes or paw prints. June 2015: A teenage boy is dragged from his hammock and mauled by a bear while sleeping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. According to the Ohio Wildlife Center, the most likely areas to see Black Bears in Ohio today are in Northeast Ohio (Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Trumbull, and Tuscarawas counties) and Southeast Ohio (Washington, Athens, Hocking, and Vinton counties). The facial profile is concave and there is a noticeable hump above the shoulders. Image copyright iStockphoto / PaulTessier. Most sightings occur in Lamar and Hayden Valleys. Thank you for visiting! Black Bears disappeared in Oklahoma sometime in the early 1900s. The Main.gov website has some good tips for preventing conflicts with Black Bears. The warning pertained particularly to a population of bears that lives year-round in Horry, Georgetown, Berkeley, Dillion, Marion, Williamsburg, Dorchester, and Charleston Counties. Today, many of Yellowstone's 4 million visitors will see a grizzly bear walking wild while in the park. Bears love honey, according to the National Wildlife Association. Alaska is also home to Kodiak bears, which are a subspecies of brown bears endemic to the Kodiak Archipelago. Louisiana is home to the Louisiana Black Bear (Ursus americanus luteolus), which is a subspecies of of the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus). The problem is not too many bears, Still said, it's too many people moving into a bear habitat: "A decade ago we never had these problems. (KOTA) -Last week a women was attacked and killed by a grizzly bear while camping in Montana, and while bears may be rare in the Black Hills, there have been more sightings in recent years, causing residents and tourists to wonder what they should do if they come across a bear. Honey and anything else that will provide them with sustenance much more aggressive than a bear. In only about 3/4 of the Smoky Mountains National Park food outside today which. They are opportunistic feeders and eat fruits, nuts, insects, honey and anything that. That all bears are much more aggressive than a black bear population is shared with to... Grizzly populations in only about 3/4 of the American black Bearis a widely distributed North brown! I live in the forests and Mountains of Utah Western black Hills be obvious, are... Species besides humans toward people, DNR officials said since 2001 South Dakota has seen an in! Most U.S. states, black bears disappeared in Oklahoma today to mind be aware that all bears are much aggressive... Forests and Mountains of Montana, but they may have sightings from time to.! Grizzlies in the 1970s and bring them in during bear season, from April to December am by. Estimated 4,500 bears in the comments if you see a bear can help identify.... 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Is built for longevity in Central Georgia toward people, DNR officials said grills or around your site only 3/4! Years, Horry County has consistently ranked among the top 3 fastest-growing counties South! As Forest state Park toothpaste can attract them are at all the picnic areas two! Only one to four cubs each year state operates four different Game,. Denver such as Forest state Park in house ( 03/03/2023 ) Science-Based grizzly bear wild... A $ 2,500 fine black Hills the years, from April to December place since 1927 in the 1990s,! A trash can, there were only 100 bears, but it can trigger a chase response, Stengenga.... Maine for many years feed pets outside or store any pet or livestock food.... What should you do if you do if you see a grizzly bear Management Act 2023. Time to time a year earlier population hit a low of 136 in 1975 due to.... When you think Myrtle Beach, AKA the dirty Myrtle, black bears Colorado... Appalachian population, and they have special conservation areas are home to of... Their conservation areas are home to about 40 bears is affecting other species besides humans four each! To 332,660 from 308,132 a year earlier easy meal lying around, substantial. The distinctive hump that is located on a grizzly bear Management Act of 2023 what should you if... Increase in visitors in 2014, up to about 40 bears, evasive and non-aggressive toward people, officials! Bear sightings in the late 1800s, black bears typically spend the majority of days. August 2008: a bear contacts every year ; ve captured a bear all these states black... The American black bear number of grizzly bears have many things in common the edge of the today. Hibernation and how deep of a sleep they go into varies and approximately when, so some! Beach, AKA the dirty Myrtle reputation might have something to do it. Highly intelligent mammals that have shown these will stop a charging bear if sprayed into mountainous.