Black Bears Spotted Across Ohio, South Carolina, Connecticut, Mississippi, Arkansas

Black bear sightings have increased in various parts of the United States, prompting safety reminders from authorities. In Ohio, a black bear was spotted in Licking County for the first time in over 20 years, adding to several other recent sightings in the state, particularly in Guernsey County, where sightings are more common. Similarly, West Hartford, Connecticut, has reported over 300 bear sightings in 2025, leading local officials to advise residents on how to avoid attracting bears and safely respond to encounters. In South Carolina, the Mauldin Police Department cautioned residents about recent black bear sightings, emphasizing that bears are generally non-aggressive but advising against feeding them or leaving out food attractants. Meanwhile, in the Mississippi-Arkansas region, multiple black bear sightings in populated areas have led sheriff’s offices to urge residents to exercise caution and report encounters immediately. Across all regions, wildlife authorities recommend securing trash, removing bird feeders, and avoiding direct interaction with bears to prevent habituation and potential conflicts.