Widespread Increase in Bear Sightings Prompts Safety Warnings Across US, Canada

Across multiple regions of North America, there has been a notable increase in black bear sightings as the bears become more active in search of food during the spring and early summer months. Municipal and wildlife officials in places like Mission, Arizona, Marshfield, and the DMV area are urging residents to take precautions by securing garbage, food, and other attractants indoors to prevent encouraging bear visits and potential conflicts. Safety advice consistently includes remaining calm during bear encounters, avoiding running, and slowly backing away while speaking in a firm voice; making oneself appear larger and making noise can also help if a bear approaches aggressively. Efforts to study bear populations, such as Maryland’s multi-year collaring project, aim to better understand bear movements and habitat use to improve coexistence strategies. Officials emphasize that cooperation from the public is critical to minimizing dangerous interactions and preventing harm to both humans and bears, especially as urban development encroaches into bear habitats. These warnings coincide with increased outdoor activities for holiday weekends and seasonal transitions, underscoring the importance of bear awareness for public safety.