Black Bear Spotted Meandering Around Clarksville

CLARKSVILLE, MD — A medium-sized black bear was spotted wandering around the Village of River Hill this week near the pathway behind the houses along Gentle Call and Blue Point Court.

The River Hill Community Association notified residents via email about the sighting and reminded them that the contents in trash cans and recycling bins "can be very appealing to wildlife, including bears." The receptacles are not supposed to be left out in the open.

This is not the first time a bear has been spotted in this area, confirmed Susan M. Smith, Village Manager with the River Hill Community Association. Smith told Patch the first sighting was approximately two years ago.

"Residents are asked to report sightings of potentially dangerous wildlife to the Columbia Association and also to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources," Smith shared in an email to residents.

Natural food sources for bears — such as plants, berries and insects — are in short supply right now, so bears are looking for anything that smells like food, officials warn each spring.

Black bears in Maryland are concentrated in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties. They typically make dens in wooded areas. Later in the spring and summer, year-old male bears tend to wander into populous areas looking for a chance to establish their territory, which in past years has led to bears hanging out on the NIH campus in Bethesda, and roaming golf courses.

Trash and bird feeders are the most common items that lure bears to houses, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources says. Pet food, charcoal grills, fruit trees and gardens may also attract bears. Once a bear finds food around your home it will likely return, the DNR says.

What Should I Do If I Encounter A bear?

If you encounter a bear that is not aware of your presence, back away and leave the area. Give the bear plenty of room. If you spot a bear cub, remain alert. The cub's mother is sure to be near, state officials say.

If you meet a bear at close range, speak to it in a calm, assertive voice, wildlife experts advise. Stay calm and do not run. Remain upright and back away from the bear. Avoid direct eye contact, which the bear may perceive as a threat.

Black bears may exhibit some unique behaviors when they feel their personal space is being threatened. A crowded bear may huff or make a woofing noise at the threat. They may also swat the ground, pop their jaws, or even bluff charge the perceived threat. When a bear bluff charges, it may stop several yards or just a few feet short of the threat. Remember not to run, as running may incite a bear's natural "chase reflex." Stay calm. Remain upright and back away from the bear.

Bears may also stand upright on their hind legs. This is not a sign of aggression. Bears usually stand upright when they are trying to get a better view of something. Bears rely heavily on their sense of smell, and may stand upright to better determine the source of the new scent, authorities say.

Keeping Bears Away From Homes

To minimize bear problems on your property:

• Reduce garbage odors. Rinse food cans and wrappers before disposal.
• Compost vegetable scraps properly away from house.
• Keep meat scraps in the freezer until garbage pickup day.
• Wash garbage cans regularly and use lime to cut odors.
• Keep garbage cans in a bear-proof container or in an enclosed building until trash pickup.
• Remove bird feeders in the spring. If you persist in feeding during summer, remove seed, suet and hummingbird feeders at night.
• Keep pet food inside.
• Keep barbecue grills and picnic tables clean.
• Use an energized fence to keep bears out of beehives, sweet corn, fruit trees and berry patches. (An energized fence is powered by a low-impedance, high –voltage energizer that provides a short-duration, high-energy impulse.)
• Barking dogs, bright lights and noisemakers will sometimes discourage bears from coming into an area.

If a bear comes into your yard:

• Don't panic, shoot or approach it.
• Back away slowly.
• Go inside and wait for the bear to leave.
• Most bears fear people and will leave when they see you.
• If a bear woofs, snaps its jaws, slaps the ground or brush, or bluff charges: YOU ARE TOO CLOSE!
• Learn to tolerate bears. Many bears are killed or injured when not causing problems.

If a bear refuses to leave:

• Be sure you have allowed the bear an escape route.
• Make loud noises to scare it away.
If a bear is treed:
• Leave it alone. The bear will usually go away when it feels safe.
• Have people leave the area.
• Remove your dog from the area.

More information about living with black bears can be found online or by calling 410-260-8540 or 301-777-2136.

Find more information on the DNR's website.