Increased Bear Sightings Prompt Safety Precautions
Multiple black bear sightings have been reported in different regions, raising concerns about human-wildlife interactions and safety measures. In East Brunswick, New Jersey, the local police department has advised residents to stay indoors if near a bear sighting and to secure food sources such as garbage, pet food, and birdseed to avoid attracting bears. The public is encouraged to report bear-related emergencies to the police or the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) hotline.
In South Korea, sightings of endangered Asiatic black bears in Jirisan National Park have led to public concern. However, park authorities have noted that these bears are generally docile and tend to avoid humans. The park is home to 89 bears, including four newborn cubs this year. Researchers emphasize that encounters are rare due to the bears' herbivorous diet and occasional scavenging habits, with no reported attacks on humans.
In Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, increased black bear sightings have prompted the creation of a Facebook group, "SSM Bear Watch," to inform the public and prevent conflicts. The surge in sightings coincides with National Black Bear Day and the beginning of the bear breeding season. Drier summers have led bears to venture into urban areas in search of food. Residents are advised to follow safety tips to minimize encounters.
Kentucky has also seen a rise in black bear sightings, particularly young males wandering from their primary ranges in search of new homes and mates. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) has recommended that people keep their distance from bears and remove food sources that might attract them. These bears typically avoid humans and dogs, and adverse encounters are rare. The KDFWR provides extensive information about black bears on its website.
