North Carolina's black bears have been making headlines in the Piedmont lately. But they're also getting attention around the country.
While we don't usually cover such incidents day-to-day, WFDD decided to do a black bear roundup and take a look at why, even in the Triad, we're seeing more of our (normally) mountain-dwelling neighbors.
In just the past two months, we've seen so many bear stories come over the transom. Residents have already spotted bears in Guilford County. And a sighting recently caused a school lockdown in Forsyth County.
And we'd be remiss in our duties if we didn't mention the viral video of a mother bear and her cubs in Banner Elk.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission biologist Mike Carraway says we're not just seeing things. The state has plenty of bears in both the mountains and on the coast, and they're thriving here.
“Both populations have been increasing in North Carolina for the past 20 or 30 years,” Carraway says.
In the first half of the 20th century, the state's black bear population had declined severely for a variety of reasons. But Carraway says conservation protections put in place decades ago have done a good job of bringing them back. And that means we humans – even those of us outside the most dense bear habitats – are meeting them more often.
“You know, the number of bears are increasing, but they're also expanding their range into new areas – that are also fringe areas – that they really haven't been in for a long time," Carraway says.
That means some young bears are making their way to the Piedmont.
For those concerned about what to do in case you encounter a black bear, Carraway has a few tips to stay safe.
Number one, if you see a black bear in your neighborhood, don't panic. These animals aren't looking for confrontation.
Number two, if you think there's a chance a bear may enter your neighborhood, do your best to keep food supplies – things like trash and pet food – indoors.
And finally, while Carraway says it may not be 100 percent necessary to do so, if you feel threatened by the bear, you can get in touch with your county's animal control or police department.