Black Bear Sightings Surge Across Multiple States

Black bear sightings have increased across multiple states, including South Carolina, Ohio, Minnesota, Tennessee, Massachusetts, and Virginia, with many reports coming from residential areas. Wildlife officials confirm that most bears are not aggressive and are mainly searching for food, advising residents to secure trash, bird feeders, and pet food to minimize encounters. In Ohio, the Department of Natural Resources is conducting research on the growing bear population, using GPS collars to track their movements and behavior. Experts attribute the rise in sightings to successful conservation efforts and population recovery in regions like Middle Tennessee and Ohio. Authorities consistently urge the public to avoid approaching bears, observe them from a distance, and report sightings to wildlife agencies for monitoring. Relocation of bears is generally discouraged, as they tend to return to their chosen territories.