ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WXIX) – Clermont and eastern Hamilton County residents may have an unwanted visitor cross their property after a black bear was spotted in-person and on security cameras from Anderson Township to New Richmond.
The most recent sighting came around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday near the intersection of Beacon and Salem roads in Anderson Township.
According to the Ohio Division of Natural Resources, a bear has been sighted recently in Bethel, New Richmond, Cherry Grove and Anderson Township.
“We’ve had reports from all those areas,” Wildlife Management Supervisor Brett Beatty said.
Beatty believes it is the same young 2-year-old male that has been seen.
“They separate from their mother and set out on an excursion, trying to find their own territory or maybe find a mate or something like that,” Beatty said.
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Last week, the same bear was sighted on Half Hill Road in Bethel.
“I’ve heard about the bear, but I’ve not seen the bear. But I would like to see the bear if it is around,” said Nick Jennings, an Anderson Township resident. “I mean, I don’t know how a bear would get in the area around here but it’s kind of odd.”
ODNR asks neighbors to remove bird feeders, pet food and unsecured trash to avoid attracting a bear, and to make sure children are supervised if they are playing in the backyard.
“There are little kids around that walk up and down these sidewalks so probably need to get the bear,” Jennings said.
ODNR said black bears are generally shy and prefer to avoid people.
“The old adage they’re more scared of you than you are of it is pretty accurate with these young bears. They’re pretty skittish and if you yell at them, make loud noises, and they’ve got a place to run, they’ll take off,” Beatty said.
As much as Jennings says he wants to see one, if he does, he won’t go near it.
“Oh, I’m not going to walk up to the bear and approach it. Not at all,” Jennings said.
ODNR said black bears can roam up to 10 to 15 miles a day, so that would explain the vast differences in the distances between some of these sightings.
If you see a bear, you are asked to report it to the Ohio Division of Natural Resources at 1-800-WILDLIFE.
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