FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a news release Monday public sightings of black bears may be more common in early summer.
As young, male black bears roam from Eastern Kentucky and the Ozarks region of Missouri, many of them are expected to be spotted on farms in rural areas, in residential areas, and even in urban areas, according to conservation officers and biologists with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Starting in spring and early summer, young bears are often pushed out of their primary bear ranges by older, dominate males and will spread out to try to establish new home ranges for themselves and search for mates. During this time, these bears can end up virtually anywhere in the state, according to the release.
“As young males roam out of the mountain counties, they can sometimes find themselves accidentally entering an urban area,” John Hast, Bear Program coordinator, said. “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.”
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These young bears may wander up to several weeks or more into unfamiliar territory in search of a good habitat and prospective mates, before returning to the mountains. Bears can travel 20 miles or more in a day if undisturbed.
“Not having any idea where they are, and likely being scared with all the new sights and sounds, bears can easily get lost and wander further into a town or city instead of away,” 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.”
Black bears have a natural fear of people and dogs, making adverse encounters extremely rare. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife advises the public to never approach or feed a bear, which could end badly.
If you ever encounter a bear, you're advised to keep a safe distance and never approach it. If you feel a bear is posing an immediate danger, call local law enforcement immediately.
If you live in an area where a bear has been spotted, you should secure your garbage inside a garage or another building, don't leave pet food outside, and clean and securely store barbecue grills. You also should not feed birds in bear range or in areas where bear sights have happened.
It is a violation of Kentucky law to feed bears, or knowingly leave unsecured food out for them to eat. In Kentucky, hunting bears is regulated and limited to defined seasons in established bear zones in eastern Kentucky.
The following video is from a bear sighting in 2023:
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