More bear sightings in the Pee Dee, Grand Strand

Residents are reporting an increase in bear sightings throughout the expansive regions of the Pee Dee and Grand Strand, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). Encounters with black bears have dramatically increased from 20 reported sightings in 1990 to more than 250 in 2006, according to data from SCDNR. Current sightings are thought to have more than doubled that number.

The Return of the Bears

SCDNR Wildlife Biologist has attributed the sighting surge to two key factors occurring around May and June. Firstly, juvenile male bears have been dispersing and secondly, it is breeding season for black bears in South Carolina. “You have juvenile males dispersing. That’s a lot of the calls we get. And they are showing up in places you don’t normally see them because they are looking for a new place to live. Home range to set up a home range,” said Stokes. “It’s actually breeding season for black bears in South Carolina.”

Alongside this increase, reports of “nuisance” bears are also rising each spring and summer. In response, the SCDNR is issuing guidelines for residents to help mitigate potential misadventures with these usually harmless but curious mammals.

SCDNR Guidelines for Coexisting with Bears

• No feeding: A bear that becomes accustomed to being fed is a potential accident waiting to happen. Don’t feed bears and they will likely move on quickly.
• No garbage: Keep garbage in a bear-proof trash can or heavily secure containers. Open garbage or garbage in the back of a truck is an open invitation for a bear.
• Pet food storage: If pet food is kept outside, it must be stored properly in airtight containers and avoid leftover food left out in the open.
• Clean grills: To keep food odors from attracting bears, charcoal and gas grills should be covered and cleaned routinely.

The growing interactions are believed to be a result of increased construction activities diminishing the natural habitats of the bears, forcing them into more populated human areas.

Life cycle, Attributes, and Habitats of Black Bears

Black bears, the largest land mammals in South Carolina, can be identified by their long, thick fur which is usually black or dark brown, with a light brown snout. Their rump is higher than their shoulders, and they lack the prominent shoulder hump characteristic of Grizzly and Brown bears. Blessed with good eyesight and an extraordinary sense of smell, black bears are superior climbers and swimmers, adaptable to a variety of habitats.

Being opportunist feeders, black bears will feed on whatever is easily available, including garbage, bird feeders, outdoor pet food, and crops. While they are typically non-aggressive creatures, encounters should be handled with caution, particularly if a bear has cubs with her

What to Do if You Encounter a Bear

If you happen to encounter a bear, remain calm. Keep in mind that bears are typically more afraid of people than people are of them. Slowly and steadily moving away from them, especially if it’s a mother with her cubs, is the safest course of action.

In Conclusion

As bear sightings continue to rise in the Pee Dee and Grand Strand regions, community awareness and adherence to the SCDNR guidelines will be vital for peaceful co-existence with these majestic creatures.