Bear Sighted In Port Deposit: Sheriff

PORT DEPOSIT, MD — A bear who ventured through Cecil County last year has reportedly returned.

"Cecil the Bear" was seen on a home surveillance camera in the Port Deposit area at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the Cecil County Sheriff's Office.

People who see bears around their homes are advised to keep their distance and go inside.

A deputy from the sheriff's office notified Rock Run Road residents of the bear's appearance in Port Deposit Wednesday and said he was probably headed toward Bainbridge to look for a mate, according to the Cecil Whig, which reported the deputy posted on the neighborhood social media site NextDoor a warning: "DO NOT SHOOT HIM."

Cecil the Bear appeared on the scene in Cecil County and Delaware last spring before earning his secret clearance and making his way onto Aberdeen Proving Ground last May.

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Typically, Maryland's bear population is concentrated in Washington, Allegany, Frederick and Garrett counties, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Most stay within a 10 to 25-mile radius of where they live.

However, young bears tend to wander into populous areas looking to establish their territory from late spring through the summer, with sightings most common in June and July.

After a period of wandering, bears usually settle in places with established bear populations in western Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. They typically make dens in wooded areas.

What To Do If You See A Bear

Stay inside. If you happen upon a bear while outside, go indoors.

Leave distance between you and the bear if you must reman outside. "If a bear woofs, snaps its jaws, slaps the ground/brush or bluff charges, you are too close," the Maryland Department of Natural Resources advises.

In that case, make loud noises to scare the animal away, and ensure you have given the bear an escape route.

Report bear emergencies to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 410-260-8888.

Photo courtesy of the Cecil County Sheriff's Office.