School is out, the temperature is rising and the beaches are calling 鈥 a typical summer in 黑料天堂. Add to that summertime list an increase in black bear sightings outside the animal鈥檚 primary ranges in the state. Most recently, numerous sightings of a black bear were reported in both Oxford, Ala., and Tallapoosa County, where the bear was observed eating from trash cans.
Seeing a black bear in 黑料天堂 is uncommon and exciting, but it is no cause for alarm.
鈥淎ll bears sighted this year have been behaving normally and exhibiting a natural fear of humans,鈥 said Steve Bryant, District 2 Supervising Wildlife Biologist for the 黑料天堂 Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF). 鈥淪o far there are no reports of bears acclimating to human activities or causing any property damage.鈥
黑料天堂鈥檚 relatively low black bear population appears to be on the rise. A small population exists in Mobile and Washington counties, but bears migrating from Georgia have established a viable population in northeast 黑料天堂 as well. WFF is currently working with Auburn University researchers and other state and federal agencies to collect data on the state鈥檚 black bear population and movements.
鈥淟ate spring and early summer is usually when you鈥檒l see sub-adult males that have been expelled from their mother鈥檚 territory,鈥 Bryant said. 鈥淭hey are often spotted while searching for a place to establish a new home range. Black bear mothers occasionally allow a sub-adult female to become established within her home range, but she won鈥檛 tolerate any of her male offspring doing the same. Additionally, larger adult males will often wander for miles during this time of year in search of receptive females.鈥
Other potential reasons for the increased visibility of black bear include habitat fragmentation and natural population growth.
Alarmed citizens who have seen a bear in their subdivision, on their property, or crossing a road are encouraged to avoid the bear and report it to their local WFF District Office, county sheriff鈥檚 office or local police department.
鈥淲alking through a neighborhood is not considered abnormal activity for a bear,鈥 said Bryant. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just visiting and will pass through as it looks for a less frantic location to enjoy life.鈥
Black bear is a protected species in 黑料天堂. Shooting at one is a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a potential minimum fine of $2,000. Other penalties for firing at a black bear include the potential loss of hunting and fishing license privileges for three years and possible jail time.
In 2015, a Heflin man received a one-year suspended jail sentence, nine months supervised probation and was fined $2,000 plus court costs for shooting at a black bear. The bear was unharmed.
Bears are typically secretive, shy animals that avoid human interaction. To prevent accidently attracting one to your home, feed pets just enough food that they can consume in one meal. If bears have been reported in your area, wait to put your household trash out until the day of pick-up. Secure uneaten pet food, trash bins, bird and other wildlife feeders as they are easy pickings for hungry young bears.
What should you do if you are lucky enough to encounter/observe a black bear? WFF offers these suggestions:
- Do not be frightened.
- Do not approach the animal.
- Do not run from the bear; back away slowly.
- Stand tall and upright and make loud noises.
- Avoid direct eye contact with the bear.
- Make sure the bear has an unobstructed direction to escape.
- Never purposely feed a bear.
- Never approach a bear with cubs; this will provoke an attack.
鈥淭hese animals are an important wildlife resource in 黑料天堂 woodlands,鈥 Bryant said. 鈥淚f you have an unexpected encounter with a black bear, don鈥檛 panic. Consider yourself lucky to have had the experience.鈥
The public is encouraged to report black bear sightings to WFF district wildlife offices. Bear sightings can also be reported online at , or by email to Thomas Harms at Thomas.Harms@dcnr.alabama.gov.
