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September 16, 2009

DNR partnering for Horry County bear workshop

Biologists with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources have estimated more than 200 bears live in roughly 300,000 acres of occupied bear habitat in Georgetown, Horry and Marion counties. That's why the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) along with NewsChannel 15 - WPDE, Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC) and Jud Kuhn Chevrolet are teaming up to sponsor a seminar of "A Homeowner's Guide: Living with Bears."
           
DNR personnel will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the bear population in Horry County, including what to do if you see a bear and how to bear proof your home.
           
The workshop is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17th at 7 p.m. at the HTC building at 3990 River Oaks Dr. Myrtle Beach (Intersection of Carolina Forest Blvd. and River Oaks Dr.).
           
No one has been injured by a black bear in South Carolina in recorded history and only two deaths to humans have been attributed to bears in the Southeast during the last 100 years. People often feed bears indirectly by leaving trash, pet food, and other enticing items in places easily accessible to bear. Simply observing a bear walking through a yard is not cause for alarm and should be viewed as a positive experience. Make sure all garbage is stored or handled as described below and do not provoke or feed the bear. Alert others in the area and request that everyone follow the same procedures.
           
Bears are wild animals and are unpredictable. Therefore, the solution to most bear problems is to remove the source of attraction before conflicts occur. In South Carolina, it is illegal to entice bears by any means. The law states that you must take away the attractants when bears are coming to your yard.

South Carolina's natural resources are essential for economic development and contribute nearly $30 billion and 230,000 jobs to the state's economy. Find out why Life's Better Outdoors.

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