GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) — When it comes to things that go bump in the night, we probably think of the last scary movie we watched or a nightmare that we can’t seem to shake. Most of us never consider the possibility of it being the state animal—the black bear. Some residents of Greenbrier County are reporting sightings in residential neighborhoods and in their own backyards.
According to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the black bear symbolizes our state’s wild beauty and resilience. With recent sightings on the uptick, it’s important to respect these animals and take the necessary steps to prevent or minimize encounters. First and foremost, do not feed bears. By taking down bird feeders, storing trash in a secure location until the morning of pickup, discarding uneaten pet food and removing bowls, you can reduce the likelihood of a conflict. If you have outdoor grills, they should be cleaned after each use to minimize the smell of food.
Bears are continually searching for food, whether it be at campsites, berry patches or in garbage. While bears are drawn to food specifically, other scents will attract them that most of us would never even consider. When discarding certain household items, we must exercise additional care. Items such as toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, soap, food wrappers and cooking utensils with traces of leftover food are all potential attractants.
Because bears have a sense of smell that’s believed to be seven times more powerful than a bloodhound, the USDA Forest Service cautions that they have the ability to smell food from miles away. In most cases, bears try to avoid humans, but it’s important to be prepared should a confrontation occur. First and foremost, the USDA Forest Service advises that you not run and remain calm. If in a group, stay together and pick up small children. It is important to try to maintain a safe distance between yourself and the bear. Do not turn your back, but instead continue facing the animal as you back away slowly. If, after speaking calmly to identify yourself as human, the bear continues to approach, the USDA Forest Service recommends that you try to scare it away by making yourself appear as large as possible. You can do this by stretching your arms up over your head and making loud noises. You can also carry bear spray, which is available at many outdoor retailers. It is important to understand how to properly use the deterrent before finding yourself in an emergency situation where it is required.
While bears are naturally wary of humans, this doesn’t mean that every bear will try to avoid contact. For instance, a mother bear with cubs is especially dangerous as her priority is to protect her young. Therefore, if you see one or more cubs, do not approach them. Bears may also advance for many reasons, including curiosity or, in the worst case, because they are predatory. In these situations, climbing a tree to escape is not advisable, as black bears are excellent climbers. They can also outrun any human, so attempting to flee will likely trigger a chase. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources recommends that in the rare case of a black bear attack, you should fight back. Playing dead is not recommended, and according to the USDA Forest Service, lying down would be a last resort as it could initiate a predatory response from the bear.
By properly storing your garbage until morning pickup, maintaining your property, minimizing the presence of attractants and staying self-aware, you can help to avoid a conflict with one of West Virginia’s most cherished, and massive, residents. There’s no guarantee that even when you follow all of the necessary precautions, you will not encounter a black bear. In learning to co-exist, we must respect the boundaries of these hulking creatures and educate ourselves on what to do should we encounter them in everyday life.
