Photo credit – Dan M.
NANJEMOY, Md. — Wildlife officials safely captured and released a black bear early Saturday morning after it wandered near homes in southern Charles County.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources said the 278‑pound adult male bear was trapped at Deerun Farm around 3:30 a.m. on August 23, 2025, DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service staff sedated, tagged and microchipped the bear, took measurements, and then released it back at the site—relocation was deemed unnecessary as neither human safety nor the bear’s health were at risk.
The bear had been exploring the largely undeveloped area for several weeks, with only minimal encounters—primarily sightings near bird feeders or trash cans—reported. Officials said they will continue monitoring its movements.
Despite black bears being long absent from Charles County since European settlement, much of the region still offers suitable habitat. DNR officials recommended residents remove attractants like bird feeders, unsecured garbage, and outdoor pet food to minimize conflicts.
Residents reported sightings of the animal in recent weeks; one visit near Bel Alton Estates was even captured on video, reinforcing DNR’s advice to eliminate food sources that draw bears close to homes.
Officials deemed the operation a success and emphasized that there were no injuries to staff, residents or the animal.
For more information on bears, visit the Wildlife and Heritage Service’s webpage or BearWise.org.
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