Crime & Safety
Black Bear Sightings Throughout Northeast Ohio
Is it one bear or two? Patch and our partners at News Channel 5 have been covering the recent bear sightings. Click on the marker for details and a link to the story.
From Mentor to Cuyahoga Falls, residents have reported several appearances of black bears this month.
The black bear is on Ohio's list of endangered species and protected by state law, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, division of wildlife.
In 2012, 224 sightings of what turned out to be 94 black bears were reported in Ohio, according to the division of wildlife's website. Most of those sightings -- 36 -- were in Portage County.
Just this month, media reports have documented nearly 10 bear sightings.
Black bears are usually fearful of people and do not attack or kill adults, children or pets as long as the bear is given its space and not cornered.
People should keep their distance and remain calm.
To report observations of black bears, call 1-800-945-3543.
For more information about Ohio’s Black Bears, visit www.wildohio.com.
Editor's Note: This article was written by Susan Ruiz Patton.
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