News Summary
A young black bear was spotted twice in downtown Greenville within 24 hours, raising concerns among local residents. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has reported a rise in bear sightings in urban areas, urging residents to follow the ‘Bear Wise Basics’ guidelines to coexist safely with wildlife.
Greenville, South Carolina – A young black bear was sighted twice within 24 hours in close proximity to downtown Greenville, prompting growing concerns among local residents. The first sighting took place on Thursday night along 6th Avenue in the Poe Mill area, followed by a second sighting on Friday morning on James Street. Several neighbors documented the bear’s activities, which included climbing trees and rummaging through backyard items.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has noted that black bear sightings in urban areas, particularly Greenville, are on the rise. In the last month and a half, the DNR reported receiving around 100 calls from residents across the Upstate regarding bear sightings, indicating that these encounters are becoming increasingly common.
Residents have shown a range of reactions, with many seeking information from the DNR and requesting assistance in relocating the bears. However, the DNR’s bear biologist has clarified that the department no longer traps and relocates bears, viewing such actions as wasteful. Instead, bears that are seen as problematic may face euthanasia rather than being relocated.
According to the DNR, bears tend to wander into urban areas as they search for food sources. The biologist emphasized that black bears are typically timid animals, and their encounters with humans rarely lead to aggressive behavior. Current data indicates that black bears are responsible for fewer than one human fatality per year on average in North America, and no fatalities or attacks attributed to black bears have ever been reported in South Carolina.
An extensive review of bear activity revealed rising numbers of sightings. Last year alone, approximately 450 reports of black bears were documented in the Upstate region. This increase can be attributed to various factors, including human encroachments on bear habitats, urban development, and widespread use of doorbell cameras that capture these wildlife encounters.
In light of these recent sightings, the DNR has provided residents with a set of guidelines known as the “Bear Wise Basics.” Residents are encouraged to adhere to these recommendations to minimize potential conflicts with bears. Key advice includes:
- Removing bird feeders and any other food sources that may attract bears to local properties.
- Remaining calm in the event of a bear encounter.
- Informing neighbors and reporting bear sightings to the DNR.
Despite the unsettling nature of bear sightings in urban locales, it is vital to remember that most bears tend to shy away from human interactions. Instances of injury typically occur when individuals unknowingly approach too closely, as bears generally prefer to flee rather than confront humans.
For any black bear sightings or concerns, residents can report their encounters through the DNR’s website or contact emergency services at 911 or 1-800-922-5431 during critical situations.
The South Carolina DNR continues to monitor the black bear population and sightings in urban areas, and as more people encounter wildlife, educational efforts will be important in fostering coexistence between humans and bears.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Black Bear Sightings in Greenville
- MSN: Black Bear Spotted Near Downtown Greenville
- Greenville Online: Black Bears on the Rise
- Fox Carolina: Safety Alert on Black Bear Sightings
- Wikipedia: Black Bear
