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Black Bears

BLACK BEARS IN KENTUCKY

Once abundant throughout the United States, the historic range of the American black bear (Ursus americanus) was significantly reduced by habitat loss and fragmentation. In Kentucky, historical accounts indicate that bears were essentially eliminated by the early 1900s. Reasons for that decline included wholesale logging of mature hardwood forests, unregulated hunting and a lack of protected areas.

Currently, 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 is proving to be a true wildlife success story. Contrary to some beliefs, however, today’s growing population is not the result of 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 that were 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 that is experiencing considerable increases in both numbers and range.

LIVING WITH BLACK BEARS

BearWise® Basics to Living with Black Bears

Never feed bears
Do not approach bears
Secure food, garbage, and recycling
Remove bird feeders when bears are active
Do not leave pet food outdoors
Clean and store grills, smokers
Alert neighbors to bear activity

BearWise® provides information and smart solutions that help homeowners, businesses, and communities coexist with bears.

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IT IS ILLEGAL TO FEED BEARS

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!

IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BLACK BEAR

Following these simple guidelines will minimize any unnecessary and potentially dangerous encounters.

Never approach a bear.
If you see a black bear from a distance, alter your route of travel.
If approached by a bear, stand your ground, raise your arms to appear larger, and yell until it leaves the area.
Never run from a bear. This will often trigger its natural instinct to chase.
If a black bear attacks, fight back aggressively and do not play dead.

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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

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.

I've seen a bear around my house. Is this normal?

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.

What should I do if I find a bear getting into my garbage and making a mess of my yard?

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.

Why not just trap and relocate bears getting into garbage?

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

What should I do if I encounter a bear at close range?

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.

Is it legal to feed black bears in Kentucky?

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:

Food-conditioned bears live considerably shorter lives than wild bears.
Habituated bears are often killed by poachers or struck by vehicles because they frequent residential areas.
Food-conditioned bears increasingly rely on human-related foods.
Food-conditioned bears often cause property damage as a result of being taught to feed in neighborhoods.
Feeding a bear just one time can create a pattern of conditioned behavior in that animal.
Conditioned behaviors learned as a cub will often stay with that bear for life.
Direct or indirect feeding of black bears is illegal in Kentucky!.

What should I do if I see someone feeding a bear?

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.

Are black bears dangerous?

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.

I saw a cub on its own, what should I do?

Leave the cub alone, as the mother is often nearby.

Why do bear encounters seem to increase in spring and summer?

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.

How can I protect my beehives from black bears?

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:

Locate bee yards away from forest edges and riparian areas (river bottoms, creek drainages).
Surround bee yards with at least 2 strands of electric fencing, with the lowest wire no more than 15 inches from the ground.
Use solar chargers as a power source if bee yards are left unattended for extended periods.
Be certain to face solar chargers so as to receive the most sunlight.
Clear growing vegetation away from the lowest as this will ensure a closed circuit and render maximum charge upon contact with the fence.
Bears are incredible diggers- irregularities in terrain should be filled in with heavy debris so as to prevent bears from crawling under low points.
Clear overhanging branches from bee yards to prevent bears from climbing into fenced areas.
Immediately notify the KDFWR of any bear damage to beehives.

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.

How can I protect my birdfeeders from black bears?

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.

Store birdfeed inside or in a sturdy, enclosed structure.
If you see a bear in your neighborhood, remove birdfeeders for a minimum of 7 days.
If you insist on feeding birds, minimize potential damage by hanging birdfeeders on a pulley system at least 8 feet above the ground.
Natural foods for songbirds are abundant in the summer months when bears are most active, so removing feeders will have no negative impact on birds.

BLACK BEAR FACTS

Appearance: Powerful, large-bodied animals measuring 4–6 feet in length. Typically have black fur, though some may be cinnamon or brown. Adult females usually weigh 120–170 pounds; adult males average 250–350 pounds.
Habitat: Prefer forests but may also be found near human settlements.
Diet: Omnivorous—eat berries, nuts, fruits, insects, fish, small mammals, and carrion. They will also scavenge human food and garbage when accessible.
Range: Found throughout much of North America—from Canada and Alaska to parts of Mexico and across the United States, especially in forested regions. In Kentucky, black bears are found primarily in the eastern part of the state.
Behavior: Solitary and typically shy. Hibernate in winter in colder climates. Skilled climbers.

Black Bears

BLACK BEARS IN KENTUCKY

BearWise® Basics to Living with Black Bears

MORE BEARWISE RESOURCES

IT IS ILLEGAL TO FEED BEARS

IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BLACK BEAR

I've seen a bear around my house. Is this normal?

What should I do if I find a bear getting into my garbage and making a mess of my yard?

Why not just trap and relocate bears getting into garbage?

What should I do if I encounter a bear at close range?

Is it legal to feed black bears in Kentucky?

What should I do if I see someone feeding a bear?

Are black bears dangerous?

I saw a cub on its own, what should I do?

Why do bear encounters seem to increase in spring and summer?

How can I protect my beehives from black bears?

How can I protect my birdfeeders from black bears?

BLACK BEAR FACTS

RELATED VIDEOS

Translate Page

Black Bears

​​​​​​​​​​BLACK BEARS​ IN KENTUCKY

BearWise® Basics to Living with Black Bears​

​MORE BEARWISE RESOURCES​

IT IS ILLEGAL TO FEED BEARS

​IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BLACK BEAR​

I've seen a bear around my house. Is this normal?

What should I do if I find a bear getting into my garbage and making a mess of my yard? ​​

Why not just trap and relocate bears getting into garbage? ​​

What should I do if I encounter a bear at close range?​ ​​​​

Is it legal to feed black bears in Kentucky?​ ​​​

What should I do if I see someone feeding a bear​?​ ​​

Are black bears dangerous?​ ​​

I saw a cub on its own, what should I do?​ ​​

Why do bear encounters seem to increase in spring and summer? ​​​​​​

How can I protect my beehives from black bears? ​​​​​​​

How can I protect my birdfeeders from black bears? ​​​​​​​

BLACK BEAR FACTS

​

RELATED VIDEOS

Translate Page

BLACK BEARS IN KENTUCKY

BearWise® Basics to Living with Black Bears

MORE BEARWISE RESOURCES

IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BLACK BEAR

What should I do if I find a bear getting into my garbage and making a mess of my yard?

Why not just trap and relocate bears getting into garbage?

What should I do if I encounter a bear at close range?

Is it legal to feed black bears in Kentucky?

What should I do if I see someone feeding a bear?

Are black bears dangerous?

I saw a cub on its own, what should I do?

Why do bear encounters seem to increase in spring and summer?

How can I protect my beehives from black bears?

How can I protect my birdfeeders from black bears?