As VA Black Bears Emerge From Dens In 2026, Here's What You Should Know

Black bears are emerging from their dens after winter hibernation in parts of the state, which means they'll be on the hunt for food and could wander closer to people, according to Virginia wildlife officials.

Black bears in Virginia are mainly concentrated in the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains and around the Great Dismal Swamp; however, bears can be seen just about anywhere in Virginia, particularly during spring, when young male bears tend to wander into new areas, looking for a place to establish their territory.

Young bears striking out alone can travel 150 to 200 miles as they search for a territory of their own. That occurs in late spring and early summer, and that's when urban residents can see bears.

According to data from recreational sightings, hunter harvest, road kills, and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources field staff, bears occur in at least 92 of Virginia’s 98 counties and cities. For example, just a year ago, a black bear was spotted in the backyard of a Loudoun County home. At one point, several sightings were reported within a week, including in Arlington and Fairfax.

Homeowners who leave human-generated food sources out in the open — like birdseed, chicken feed, dog food and even trash — may unintentionally draw bears to residential areas.

However, what Virginians may not know is that it's illegal in the Commonwealth to deliberately or inadvertently feed bears.

"Bears are highly adaptable, intelligent animals and may learn to associate human dwellings with food. Bears are attracted to residential areas by the smell of food people commonly put out around their homes," DWR officials said. "In reality, most problems caused by bears are really 'people problems.'"

To avoid attracting bears, Virginia wildlife officials strongly encourage residents who live in and near bear habitats to:

• Remove the bird feeders. It is best not to put out food for birds from April to November. Instead, plant native seed-bearing plants or use water features to attract birds to your home.
• Secure your garbage. Store garbage indoors, in a shed or garage, or in a bear-resistant container. Put garbage out on the morning of pickup, not the night before, or take it to the dump frequently.
• Pick up pet food. Feed pets only what they will eat in a single feeding, or feed them indoors. Remove all uneaten food. Do not leave food out overnight.
• Do not put meat scraps in the compost pile. Keep compost away from the house.
• Pick up and remove ripe fruit from fruit trees and surrounding grounds.
• Clean the grill often. Do not dump drippings in your yard. Run the grill for an extra 5 minutes to burn off grease.
• Install electric fencing to protect beehives, dumpsters, gardens, compost piles, or other potential food sources.
• Don’t store food, freezers, refrigerators, or trash on porches.
• Use harassment techniques in conjunction with removing the attractant to get the bear to move off your property. Paintballs are a great tool for hazing. They are nonlethal, won’t harm the bear if shot at the rump, but are painful enough to get the bear moving away from homes.
• Talk to your neighbors. Make sure your neighbors and community administrators are aware of the ways to prevent bears from causing problems.

For more information on living with black bears and bear behavior, visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources black bear page.