He said, in his opinion, the bear could be from Illinois. Visitors to Land Between the Lakes may encounter white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, eastern box turtles, and various bird species. Currently, black bears are the most abundant and widespread of all eight bear species in the world. These bushy-tailed rodents are known for their acrobatic leaps from tree to tree and their habit of burying nuts to eat during the winter months. This second trait is referred to as habituation to humans, and it is simply a loss of their natural fear of people. Generally, those behaviors include some form of attractants such as garbage, food scraps, pet food, birdfeeders, livestock feed, or other human-related items. It is not unusual in the early summer for young male bears to wander outside of the established bear range in Eastern Kentucky. Consequently, it is important to remember that it is the odor of food items that first lure bears near homes or neighborhoods. Store pet food inside or in a solid, enclosed structure. The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is a familiar sight in Kentuckys woods and fields. Favorite insect items include grubs and underground yellow jacket nests, which bears often dig up to consume this protein-rich food source. Tasha was roaming around in MarchRogers said, but then we had an unusually warm March. While there have been other studies, Alston says this was the first to encompass what biologists believe to be the entire range of this population of bears. Consequently, cubs are born in late January while still in the den and weigh only ounces at birth. The department says there are bear populations in both eastern Kentucky and in the Ozarks region of Missouri. cans have been installed. The bear will again expect to be fed because you have taught it to associate people with food. the largest bear handled in Kentucky was a 480-pound adult male that was captured as a research animal during the summer of 2008. Doing so will not only help us keep bears wild in Kentucky, but it just may save a bears life. Thats why Hast and bear biologists in 20 Southeastern states have created Bearwise.org. Wildlife viewing drives, hiking trails, and camping areas offer excellent opportunities to observe these animals in their natural environments. To learn more about Bear Hunting in Kentucky, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. I'm sorry, you need to leave!'". A black bear was standing right next to https://wildlifeinformer.com/black-bear-population-by-state Emerging from dens weighing only 510 pounds, cubs have less than one year to learn the necessary skills to ensure their survival as solitary yearlings. We talked to Tom Ward with Caldwell County Animal Control. At about 16 months of age, the yearling bears disperse soon as the mother comes into estrus in preparation for the breeding season. With its diverse mix of hardwood forests, rugged terrain, and abundant water sources, Daniel Boone National Forest is home to a wide variety of animals. All bear species have an incredible sense of smell. 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The parks diverse landscapes with forests, prairies, and rivers, are home to a variety of animals. NO!!! Residents and visitors to Kentucky need to be responsible, so negative behaviors in bears are not encouraged. Kentucky is home to a growing bear population that offers frequent and widespread viewing opportunities in the wild. According to Kelly, there are expanding bear populations in both eastern Kentucky as well as the Ozarks region of Missouri. Chief Communications Officer Kevin Kelly Females give birth to one to five cubs, with an average litter size of two. Beshear announces replacement SNAP benefits for Kentuckians impacted by March 3 storms, Family seeks justice for teen shot in head while trying to pick up siblings at wrong address, Felon who threatened driver, bar patrons in Butler Co. with gun sentenced to 5.5 years in prison, Cape Girardeau man accused of pointing gun at several people during argument, Man arrested in connection with Texaco, Ill. stabbing, Cape Girardeau City Council votes to expand urban deer hunt, Mississippi man arrested after Marion, Ill. police find more than 80lbs. These venomous snakes are known for their distinctive pattern of light and dark bands on their bodies, which provide excellent camouflage in their natural habitats. Store birdfeed inside or in a sturdy, enclosed structure. In Kentucky, the direct or indirect feeding of black bears is a crime that is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to a year in jail and the loss of hunting and fishing privileges for up to 3 years. Black bears are known for their stocky bodies, shaggy coats, and iconic crescent-shaped ears. (cNews) Immediately report any instances of people feeding bears to the KDFWR by calling 1-800-25ALERT (1-800-252-5378). Number one, that is the breeding season for bears and males are traveling great distances in search of females. Copyright 2021 KFVS. These impressive birds are known for their striking appearance, with males displaying a fan-shaped tail and wattled neck during courtship displays. Bears wandered back into Kentucky after wildlife officials moved bears to nearby areas of Virginia and Tennessee, making homes in forests that grew up on areas Unlike Kentucky's sighting, wildlife officials haven't confirmed the southern Indiana report as a bear, because the security footage is more grainy. Feeding bears is absolutely the worst thing that people can do to ensure a bears death. Be certain to face solar chargers so as to receive the most sunlight. Bears are incredible diggers- irregularities in terrain should be filled in with heavy debris so as to prevent bears from crawling under low points. Iowa Wild Animals: What are They and Where to See Them? Determining exact numbers is complicated, Hast says. Kelly says black bears have a natural fear of people and adverse encounters with people are extremely rare. In the case of bears, the task is overturning a garbage can or climbing into a dumpster, and the reward is the food that is obtained. Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and are known to raid trash cans, gardens, and even pet food bowls in search of food. Reports have been made of black bear sighting in Caldwell County. If cornered or threatened, bears may slap the ground, pop their jaws or huff as a warning. at Kingdom Come State Park, bear-proof To report a bear sighting in your area call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife at 800-858-1549 or email Info.Center@ky.gov. The eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) is a fascinating reptile that can be found in Kentuckys woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. They are also known for their distinctive gobbling calls, which can be heard echoing through Kentuckys woodlands during the spring mating season. Shout and throw sticks or rocks in the vicinity of a bear to encourage flight once an escape route has been established. As bear numbers increase, so may the occurrence of black bears in towns or local municipalities. Its a nice drive, Hast says, with exceptional views from north to south. Black bears are very curious animals and this should not be confused with Officials in the city of Dixon, Kentucky, are advising the community to be cautious after a bear was spotted in the area. Data collected by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) clearly illustrate that most conflicts result from intentional feeding, or access to other human-related sources such as garbage, pet food, livestock feed, and birdfeeders. Chief Communications Officer Kevin Kelly tells the News Edge the bear was sighted near Dixon after biologists confirmed bear tracks in southern Henderson County earlier this week. Help prevent safety concerns by following these guidelines. The KDFWR has trapped bears and moved them 10, 20 even 55 air miles away and they still find their way home. Copperhead snakes are generally shy and prefer to avoid confrontation with humans, but they can be dangerous if provoked. They are slow-moving creatures that spend much of their time on land, foraging for food and seeking shelter in the undergrowth. Kentuckys wildlife management areas are managed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Due to the potential for significant monetary loss, the KDFWR strongly recommends all bee yard owners follow the guidelines below: Evidence of Black BearDamage to Bee Hives- Photo by Jayson Plaxico. Unfortunately, bears can become so tolerant and bold around people that issues of human safety arise. Yeah, this stuff youre seeing on social media the last few days is accurate.. Black bears, like this one pictured in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Suffolk, Virginia, are rarely seen in Indiana. Photos of the bear in Caldwell County, Kentucky were taken over the weekend. Bears will move on after realizing there is no food to be obtained. Most Loved Cars in Georgia: Exploring the Top Choices for Georgian Drivers, Love is Blind: The Tragic Crash that Delayed the Reunion, The Boston Marathon: One of the Worlds Most Prestigious Races on Patriots Day. Do not toss food scraps outside to feed pets; this is a strong lure for bears. Black bears are primarily solitary animals that are skilled at foraging for food, with a diet that includes nuts, berries, insects, and small mammals. She was hesitant to walk in the snow at first, but we had April weather in March,and the snow melted a lot. Indiana Wildlife Encounters: Where to Go to See Wild Animals? He points out these bears get pushed out of the area by older, dominant males, and may wander up to several weeks or more into unfamiliar territory in search of good habitat and prospective mates before they return to the mountains where they were raised. During that time, their metabolism slows so that all reserve energy is used for basic life functions and milk production for cubs. State and local officials broke ground Monday on a $3.7 billion Eli Lilly manufacturing facility in Boone County. WYMT received videos Wednesday from David and Sharon Kennedy of a bear approaching and climbing onto their porch in Cumberland. 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