DNR News
** Archived Article - please check for current information. **
May 1, 2012
DNR offers guidelines for dealing with bears/report a sighting on the web
Biologists with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) report increased bear activity throughout the state. The warm weather has the animals moving this spring. While you may be excited about seeing a bear, please remember they are wild animals and should be respected. Black bears are usually shy, evasive and non-aggressive toward people. There has never been a human fatality or even an attack attributed to a black bear in South Carolina.
Bears have been spotted in 45 of 46 counties (Bamberg County has no confirmed sightings). If you see a bear and would like to report a sighting, please use the new web-based reporting form. Sightings are recorded and used to aid in black bear management.
The mere presence of a black bear does not necessarily represent a problem. Most are just passing through, but if there is an easy meal to be found, they will take advantage of it. The key to dealing with wandering bears is not giving them a reason to hang around. Removing anything that would attract bears from your residence will greatly reduce any bear issues.
DNR offers these common sense suggestions to cope with bears:
- No feeding: A bear that becomes accustomed to having food provided is an accident waiting to happen; don't feed a bear the first time and it will likely leave the area soon.
- No garbage: Keep garbage in tightly shut or bear-proof trash cans; garbage left in the open, in an open dumpster, or in the back of a truck is an open invitation for a bear.
- Pet food storage: Store pet food properly if kept outside; put pet food in airtight storage containers and don't leave leftover food out in the open.
- Clean grills: Keep charcoal and gas grills covered and clean to keep food odors from attracting bears.
- Bird feed & feeders: If a bear starts getting into your bird feeders - and they will if given the chance - take them down and put them away for a while; the bear will move on quickly. Or install the feeder on a rope or cable so it can be raised and lowered.
- Beehives: If you're going to have beehives in bear territory, protect your investment with an electric, bear-proof fence.
More News
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- Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund May banquets benefit DNR
- International Migratory Bird Day celebration set May 12
- DNR offers guidelines for dealing with bears/report a sighting on the web
- T.L. Hanna High School scores back to back SC High School State Champions
- DNR schedules youth fishing events around the state
- Conway High School anglers host, win Bass-Redfish Tournament
- Drought Response Committee upgrades Aiken Co. to Severe
- USC professor wins 2011 Environmental Awareness Award
- Don't adopt a 'lost' fawn, it's illegal and likely not abandoned
- DNR continues to add dates to Family Fishing Clinics
- Students to compete in annual South Carolina Envirothon on May 4
- Boaters urged caution as manatees return to S.C.
- DNR works in partnership with PalmettoPride anti-littering campaign
- Aiken County WMA opens to the public Saturdays in May
- Camp Wildwood of South Carolina open for 2012 registration
- Freshwater fishing trends
- Saltwater fishing trends
- S.C. weekly tidetable
- DNR video
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