News Summary
A black bear was spotted near downtown Greenville on consecutive days, leading local authorities to issue safety advisories. Residents are urged to maintain distance and report encounters to the SC Department of Natural Resources. With increased sightings in residential areas, the community is reminded of bear safety practices, especially during peak food foraging times. Local officials emphasize that eliminating food sources can reduce bear encounters, urging vigilance in coexistence with wildlife.
Greenville – A black bear was spotted twice near downtown Greenville on June 19 and June 20, prompting safety advisories from local authorities. The first sighting occurred late on June 19, on 6th Avenue near the Poe Mill area, while the second sighting took place on James Street the following day. Residents have been urged to maintain a safe distance from the bear and to report any encounters to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR).
Local representative Chandra Dillard shared the news via social media, where she reminded residents about the importance of safety and urged against any engagement with the bear. The SC DNR advises anyone who encounters a bear to call their hotline at 1-800-922-5431 for guidance. Reports indicate that the bear was observed wandering around residential areas, climbing trees, and rummaging through backyards.
The sightings come at a time when black bears are active and foraging for food in the Upstate region. According to data from the SC DNR, last year saw approximately 450 black bear sightings reported in this area. The rise in these encounters is attributed to increased human activity encroaching on bear habitats and advancements in technology, such as doorbell cameras, that capture such wildlife sightings.
Black bears are typically known for their timid nature and have evolved behaviors that help them avoid contact with larger predators. They are omnivorous creatures and have a diverse diet that includes berries, nuts, insects, fish, meat, and, unfortunately, human food and garbage when available. Defensive attacks from black bears are rare, generally occurring only when they feel threatened. In fact, statistics from the North American Bear Center highlight that black bears cause fewer than one human fatality each year, making them a relatively safe presence in their habitats. No fatalities or attacks from black bears have been reported in South Carolina.
While bear populations are generally sustainable, they primarily thrive in the mountains and upper Piedmont areas, as well as in northern coastal counties. In recent months, the DNR has received approximately 100 reports of bear sightings from residents across the Upstate. To mitigate risks presented by these encounters, residents are encouraged to follow “Bear Wise Basics,” which include crucial steps such as removing potential food sources, including bird feeders, from their properties and informing neighbors about any sightings.
SC DNR officials note that trapping and relocating bears has proven ineffective and that bears will typically move on if food sources are eliminated from neighborhoods. If residents do spot a bear, the DNR recommends walking away slowly, making loud noises to scare the animal away, and appearing larger to deter it effectively. Residents can report bear sightings through a specific online form or by calling the department during emergencies.
It is crucial for residents of Greenville and surrounding areas to stay informed and vigilant as black bears continue to explore urban environments in search of food. By adhering to safety measures and community guidelines, locals can coexist peacefully with these wildlife visitors.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Young Black Bear Sighted Near Downtown Greenville
Canine Visitors on the Rise in South Carolina Homes
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online
- Wikipedia: Black Bear
- WYFF4 News
- Google Search: Black Bear Sightings Greenville
- MSN News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ursidae
- Fox Carolina
- Google Scholar: Black Bear Behavior
- Greenville Journal
- Google News: Black Bear Greenville
