By Betsy Finklea
With the increased number of black bears in our state and our area over the past couple of decades, and informational session was held Thursday with S.C. Department of Natural Resources, law enforcement and other key personnel who may have to deal with this issue.
Brittany W. Waller, a wildlife biologist with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, made the presentation.
The number of black bears have increased greatly over the state over the past few decades. Confirmed sightings of black bears have occurred in 45 of 46 counties including Dillon County.
Most of the reports received on bears in this area involve bears coming up to people’s homes. This is usually driven by food.
Waller said bears have a keen sense of smell and can pick up a scent five miles away. Waller said black bears are attracted to about anything edible. Anything that will attract dogs, cats, or raccoons will attract a bear.
One of the main attractants is garbage. Bear-proof trash cans can be expensive and may not be an option for many people. Those people who may wish to construct their own trash can should make something with several latches that is solidly mounted. People having problems should haul off their trash frequently.
Another attractant is bird feeders. If one notices that a bear is coming to a bird feeder, it is best to take it down for a while or raise it extremely high.
Pet food is an attractant and should be stored in airtight containers. Leftover pet food should be removed, and homeowners should avoid throwing out food scraps.
Grill can also attract bears. Grills should be cleaned after use and covered to avoid attracting bears.
Bee hives and deer feeders/bait can also attract bears. Electric fences are recommended to protect bee hives.
Attractants such as garbage, pet food, etc. should be stored in a garage or sturdy shed.
Wallers said it is important to remove the food source. She said it is illegal to entice bears by any means. She said if you know a bear is coming to a food source on your property, it is illegal to entice them. “A fed bear is a dead bear,” said Waller. She said that usually the feeding of bears leads to their deaths.
The only time DNR will trap a bear is if it poses a hazard. She said bears do not do well if they are moved and try to get back where they came from which could result in them being run over or becoming a nuisance.
The biggest problem usually comes from sub-adult males who have left their mothers and are trying to find their own place. Bears are territorial, and if they are relocated to another bear’s territory, they could potentially be killed by another bear.
The more common bear sighting on the increase is a bear in a tree. Waller said the most important thing to do is get everyone away because it will likely bring a crowd. Crowds should be kept a minimum of 100 yards away, and the bear should have an exit. The bear needs to feel like he can leave and should not be pressured.
If a bear is an unoccupied dwelling, tent, or vehicle, the bear should not be pressed, attractants should be removed or secured, and officials should make sure the bear has an exit.
If a bear is in an occupied dwelling, tent, or vehicle, then lethal force may be used. Local law enforcement may use it, and homeowners have the authority to do so.
There have been no human fatalities or attacks caused by black bears in South Carolina. Should such an attack occur, the most important thing is the safety of all concerned.
The scene should be secured so that DNA analysis can be conducted because the responsible bear may have to be euthanized. The likelihood of this happening is very rare.
DNA handles the disposal of dead bears. No one can possess any part of a black bear unless it is legally harvested.
Waller said bears are curious and opportunistic. They are not big meat eaters and eat acorns and berries. They are not predatory. She said bears are probably more scared of you than you are of them, and they are not looking to pick a fight.
Waller said if a bear approaches you, do not play dead. She said to be big—wave your arms and clap.
“Don’t be fearful of the bears, but do respect them.”
For more information about black bears or to report a bear sighting, please visit www.dnr.sc.gov..
