Maryland Black Bears Back In 2019: What You Need To Know

MARYLAND — Black bears are beginning to forage for food after winter hibernation, and that could bring them closer to people than normal. Natural food sources for bears — such as plants, berries and insects — are in short supply so far, so bears are looking for anything that smells like food, officials warn each spring.

Black bears in Maryland are concentrated in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties. They typically make dens in wooded areas. Later in the spring and summer, year-old male bears tend to wander into populous areas looking for a chance to establish their territory, which in past years has led to bears hanging out on the NIH campus in Bethesda, and roaming golf courses.

Trash and bird feeders are the most common items that lure bears to houses, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources says. Pet food, charcoal grills, fruit trees and gardens may also attract bears. Once a bear finds food around your home it will likely return, the DNR says.

Sightings in populated areas are most common in June and July, when young bears leave rural areas as they look to establish their territory. The bear population size was last estimated in 2011, but the department estimates that Maryland is home to more than 2,000 adult and subadult black bears.

Young bears striking out alone can travel 150 to 200 miles as they search for a territory of their own, the Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service says. That occurs in late spring and early summer, and that's when urban residents can see bears.

A bear was spotted climbing a tree at the Timbers at Troy golf course in Elkridge in June 2016 and also put a school in Ellicott City on lockdown around that time.

In June 2014, a bear spent several hours around the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, taking a stroll on campus and perching in a tree.

It is illegal to put out food or bait to attract bears. "Feeding bears can create a situation that is unsafe for people and the bear," the Wildlife and Heritage Service says.

What Should I Do If I Encounter A bear?

If you encounter a bear that is not aware of your presence, back away and leave the area. Give the bear plenty of room. If you spot a bear cub, remain alert. The cub’s mother is sure to be near, state officials say.

If you meet a bear at close range, speak to it in a calm, assertive voice, wildlife experts advise. Stay calm and do not run. Remain upright and back away from the bear. Avoid direct eye contact, which the bear may perceive as a threat.

Black bears may exhibit some unique behaviors when they feel their personal space is being threatened. A crowded bear may huff or make a woofing noise at the threat. They may also swat the ground, pop their jaws, or even bluff charge the perceived threat. When a bear bluff charges, it may stop several yards or just a few feet short of the threat. Remember not to run, as running may incite a bear’s natural "chase reflex." Stay calm. Remain upright and back away from the bear.

Bears may also stand upright on their hind legs. This is not a sign of aggression. Bears usually stand upright when they are trying to get a better view of something. Bears rely heavily on their sense of smell, and may stand upright to better determine the source of the new scent, authorities say.

Keeping Bears Away From Homes and Cabins

To minimize bear problems on your property:

• Reduce garbage odors. Rinse food cans and wrappers before disposal.
• Compost vegetable scraps properly away from house.
• Keep meat scraps in the freezer until garbage pickup day.
• Wash garbage cans regularly and use lime to cut odors.
• Keep garbage cans in a bear-proof container or in an enclosed building until trash pickup.
• Remove bird feeders in the spring. If you persist in feeding during summer, remove seed, suet and hummingbird feeders at night.
• Keep pet food inside.
• Keep barbecue grills and picnic tables clean.
• Use an energized fence to keep bears out of beehives, sweet corn, fruit trees and berry patches. (An energized fence is powered by a low-impedance, high –voltage energizer that provides a short-duration, high-energy impulse.)
• Barking dogs, bright lights and noisemakers will sometimes discourage bears from coming into an area.

If a bear comes into your yard:

• Don't panic, shoot or approach it.
• Back away slowly.
• Go inside and wait for the bear to leave.
• Most bears fear people and will leave when they see you.
• If a bear woofs, snaps its jaws, slaps the ground or brush, or bluff charges: YOU ARE TOO CLOSE!
• Learn to tolerate bears. Many bears are killed or injured when not causing problems.

If a bear refuses to leave:

• Be sure you have allowed the bear an escape route.
• Make loud noises to scare it away.
If a bear is treed:
• Leave it alone. The bear will usually go away when it feels safe.
• Have people leave the area.
• Remove your dog from the area.

Bear Encounters With Campers
If you encounter a bear while in the outdoors, remain calm. Don't panic. Leave the area. To reduce the chance of experiencing bear problems:

• Move to another campsite if fresh bear signs are present.
• Never keep food in your tent.
• Use canned and dried foods to minimize food odors.
• Store foods out of a bear's reach, in a vehicle or enclosed building if possible.
• Use airtight or bear-proof containers.
• Burn waste paper in your campfire.
• Do not burn or bury food scraps.
• Remove all garbage and fish remains from camp every evening.

If a bear comes into camp:

• Don't feed it. Scare it away.
• Make loud noises, bang pans, yell or use air horns.

After a period of wandering, young bears usually settle in places with established bear populations in western Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. They typically make dens in wooded areas.

More information about living with black bears can be found online or by calling 410-260-8540 or 301-777-2136.

Check out some bear sightings from across the state last year:

• Bears Around Howard County Reported
• Bears Make Rounds in Central Maryland Suburbs
• WATCH: Bear Climbs Behind Officer's Back In Maryland Park
• June Deadly For Bears On Maryland Highways: Natural Resources Police

Have you seen a bear in your yard this season? Send photos and videos to maryland@patch.com.

Find more information on the DNR's website.