An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Once abundant throughout the United States, habitat loss and fragmentation significantly reduced the historic range of the American black bear (Ursus americanus). In Kentucky, historical accounts indicate that the early 1900s essentially eliminated bears. Reasons for that decline included wholesale logging of mature hardwood forests, unregulated hunting, and a lack of protected areas.
Black bears are the most abundant and widespread of all eight bear species in the world. In Kentucky, the return of black bears over the last 20 years has proven to be a true wildlife success story. Contrary to some beliefs, today’s growing population does not result from a “restocking” effort. As oak forests matured after extensive logging efforts in the early 1900s, bears recolonized these habitats from our neighboring states of West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee.
Vast portions of the Kentucky region cleared for timber are once again mature hardwood forests. Consequently, bears that filtered into Kentucky from our Southern Appalachian neighbors had access to large, remote tracts of quality forest habitat. As a result, Kentucky is now home to a resident bear population experiencing considerable increases in both numbers and range.
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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.
It is important to remember that bears are powerful animals and their behavior can be unpredictable. As such, bears habituated to humans can pose public safety concerns and often need to be destroyed as relocation is not a responsible management action. Immediately report any instances of people feeding bears to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife by calling 1-800-25ALERT (1-800-252-5378).
Realize that ONE person feeding bears will create a problem animal that may affect multiple neighborhoods. Be responsible and help us keep bears wild in Kentucky!
Following these simple guidelines will minimize any unnecessary and potentially dangerous encounters.
If cornered or threatened, bears may slap the ground, “pop” their jaws or “huff” as a warning. If you see those behaviors you are too close! Slowly back away while facing the bear at all times. Notify the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources immediately if you witness aggressive behavior by black bears.
Please contact our Information Center at 1-800-858-1549 or Info.Center@ky.gov if you have any questions not answered below.
If you found an injured animal, contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. A licensed rehabilitator can evaluate and treat an animal to release back into a natural habitat. If you have found an injured deer, contact the county's regional biologist.
In many areas of Kentucky, it is fairly common for bears to be near human dwellings. Bears have an incredible sense of smell and are likely being lured by some type of food attractant. These attractants typically include garbage, pet food, and birdfeeders. The best thing to do is identify the attractant and remove the source. Bears will move on after realizing their is no food to be obtained.
The first thing to realize is that the bear is simply going after an easy meal. Almost all of these types of problems can be eliminated by removing the attractant. Store garbage in a closed structure and put it out the morning of garbage pick-up, not the night before. This way, garbage does not sit out overnight and lure bears to the area. Purchasing or contructing a bear-resistant garbage container can also help.
While relocation is an option to the immediate issue it will not solve the underlying problem. Unless garbage is properly stored another bear will move in and the problem will start all over again. In addition, black bears have an incredible homing instinct and can travel amazing distances in relatively short periods of time. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife has trapped bears and moved 10, 20, even 55 air miles away and they still find their way home. Ultimately, relocating bears is not an effective long-term management tool. Instead, the proper storage
Make your presence known by yelling and shouting at the bear in an attempt to scare it away. If a bear is reluctant to leave then proceed to throw rocks or other objects at the bear while continuing to yell. Portray yourself as the dominant animal and do not back down. If a bear is close enough that you feel uncomfortable, slowly back away, continuing to yell while watching the bear at all times. Never run from a black bear as this may trigger a natural response to chase.
No. 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. Feeding bears creates behaviors in those animals that are almost impossible to correct.
Feeding bears is the worst thing that people can do when it comes to creating human-bear conflicts. Bears are extremely intelligent and quickly learn to associate people with food. When this occurs, bears may become habituated to people and lose their natural fear of humans, which creates potentially dangerous situations:
It is important to remember that bears are powerful animals and their behavior can be unpredictable. As such, bears habituated to humans can pose public safety concerns and often need to be destroyed as relocation is not a responsible management action. Immediately report any instances of people feeding bears to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife by calling 1-800-25ALERT (1-800-252-5378). Remember that is it illegal to feed back black bears in Kentucky.
Immediately report any instances of people feeding bears to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife by calling 1-800-25ALERT (1-800-252-5378). Remember that is it illegal to feed back black bears in Kentucky.
Black bears are normally very elusive and shy animals and they typically avoid people unless they have become accustomed to human food sources. Bears are also very curious, but this should not be mistaken for aggression. Prevent any conflicts with bears by treating bears with respect as they are wild animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable.
Leave the cub alone, as the mother is often nearby.
Black bears typically den during the winter months and emerge in late March or early April. When they come out of their dens, natural food sources are scarce, which often leads bears to be attracted by the smell of human-related foods.
Additionally, June and July mark the breeding season for bears. During this time, male bears travel great distances in search of females, which increases their chances of encountering human dwellings.
Summer is also when yearling bears, now on their own, are trying to establish a suitable home range. In their travels, these young bears are often drawn to human-related food sources as well.
Moreover, as the weather warms up, outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and picnicking increase. This leads to more human activity in areas where bears might be foraging, which can further elevate the chances of encounters.
Damage to apiaries can be extensive and very costly if action is not taken quickly. Due to the potential for significant monetary loss, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife strongly recommends all bee yard owners follow the guidelines below:
Extensive research has shown electric fencing to be extremely effective at deterring nuisance behavior by bears. Additionally, costs associated with the installation of an electric fence can be minimal when compared to potential losses in money by the destruction of honey and bees.
Download this technical resource for further guidance.
Birdfeeders are often overlooked when it comes to minimizing human-bear conflicts in residential areas. However, these feeders supply an easy food source and provide an easy meal for bears.
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