News Summary
Residents in downtown Greenville are urged to take precautions following a rise in black bear sightings. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has received numerous reports as the community grapples with bear encounters. Local officials emphasize safety protocols and encourage reporting any bear sightings.
Greenville – Residents of downtown Greenville are being advised on safety measures following an increase in black bear sightings near the area. A black bear was spotted on two occasions, first on the night of June 19 on 6th Avenue, near the Poe Mill area, and again the following day on James Street. The sightings have raised awareness among the community, leading local representatives to emphasize safety protocols to ensure residents remain unharmed during potential encounters with wildlife.
On June 20, the bear was reported to be wandering through neighborhoods, climbing trees, and rummaging through backyard belongings, prompting authorities to alert the public. Local representative Chandra Dillard shared the news on social media, reminding residents not to engage with the bear and to report any encounters to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR) at 1-800-922-5431.
In the last month and a half, the DNR has received approximately 100 calls related to black bear sightings, highlighting a trend of increasing encounters. In 2022 alone, the Upstate region reported 450 black bear sightings, indicating a growing presence of these animals in urban areas. The rise in sightings is attributed to expanded human activity and development that encroaches on natural bear habitats.
Bear Behavior and Safety Precautions
Black bears are generally timid creatures. Biologists note that due to their evolutionary history alongside predators like saber-toothed cats and dire wolves, bears tend to avoid human contact whenever possible. They are omnivorous, feeding on a diet that includes berries, nuts, insects, fish, and occasionally human food sources, which they can be drawn to, especially in suburban settings.
Though offensive attacks by black bears are seldom reported, they can occur in remote environments with minimal human interaction. The statistical likelihood of black bears causing fatalities is exceedingly low, with North American black bears averaging less than one human death per year. In fact, only two bear-related human fatalities have been documented in the eastern United States over the past century. Conversely, individuals aged 18-24 are 167 times more likely to cause a fatality than a black bear.
The DNR has emphasized that in South Carolina, there has never been a fatality or serious attack attributed to black bears. Encounters often result in minor injuries, which can happen when a bear feels threatened. To minimize the risk of such encounters, residents are encouraged to practice “Bear Wise Basics.” This includes removing bird feeders, securing garbage and food sources, and being vigilant about maintaining a bear-free environment.
Community Response and Reporting
In light of the recent sightings, residents are urged to remain calm and vigilant if they encounter a bear. Local guidelines recommend informing neighbors of the sighting and reporting any bear encounters to the SC DNR. For emergencies involving black bears, residents are advised to contact local authorities by calling 911 or reaching out to the SC DNR directly at 1-800-922-5431.
The increase in bear activity close to urban areas reflects changing dynamics between wildlife and human populations. With advances in technology, such as doorbell cameras, residents are now able to capture more bear sightings, contributing to the growing awareness of these incidents.
As the community continues to navigate interactions with wildlife, adherence to safety practices will be essential in ensuring that both residents and bears can coexist peacefully. Understanding bear behavior and taking preventive measures can help mitigate potential risks associated with bear encounters in Greenville.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Black Bear Sightings Prompt Safety Advisories in Greenville
Young Black Bear Sighted Near Downtown Greenville
Canine Visitors on the Rise in South Carolina Homes
Additional Resources
- WYFF4
- Greenville Online
- Fox Carolina
- Greenville Journal
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Black bear
- Google Search: black bear encounters
- Google Scholar: black bear sightings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: black bear
- Google News: black bear sightings Greenville
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
