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Black bears are North Carolina's only native bear species. In recent decades, the population has continued to rise after overhunting and habitat loss threatened the species. (Mike Carraway/North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission)
Time to talk about NC bears
60 percent of North Carolina is home to the Black Bear in increasing numbers, mostly on the coast and in the mountains. The N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission manages this population of approximately 15,000 black bears. TOMMY ESSON N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Ursus americanus makes about 60 percent of North Carolina home in increasing numbers, mostly on the coast and in the mountains.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission manages this population of approximately 15,000 black bears and seeks public input on hunting and management.
The commission will hold seven meetings this month, each at 7 p.m., to share information, discuss management and hear comment on the state’s only bear species:
▪ Aug. 9, Swain Auditorium, Edenton.
▪ Aug. 10, Craven Community College, New Bern.
▪ Aug. 11, Bladen Community College, Bladenboro.
▪ Aug. 15, Southwestern Community College, Sylva.
▪ Aug. 16, Western Piedmont Community College, Morganton.
▪ Aug. 17, Davidson County Community College, Thomasville.
▪ Aug. 24, NCWRC Headquarters, Raleigh.
In the 2015 season, according to the 2015 Bear Harvest Report, N.C. hunters killed 3,118 bears statewide – 39 in the piedmont, 1,199 in the mountains and 1,880 in the coastal region.
Learn more at www.ncwildlife.org.
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https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjqn_SX0u_OAhXoIcAKHT6YBXoQFggkMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wfdd.org%2Fstory%2Fnorth-carolinas-black-bear-comeback-means-more-sightings-triad&usg=AFQjCNFI0i5zgOm9GnJ3PPzeBqbuHZRa1w&sig2=WfXwve1PT1xc94PzPl30Xw&bvm=bv.131669213,bs.1,d.dmoNorth Carolina's Black Bear Comeback Means More Sightings In The Triad
North Carolina's Black Bear Comeback Means More Sightings In The Triad
2:45pm May 23, 2016
Black bears are North Carolina's only native bear species. In recent decades, the population has continued to rise after overhunting and habitat loss threatened the species. (Mike Carraway/North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission)
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 meethey’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.
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