A black bear was spotted in Poland on Saturday, June 27.
A viewer sent this photo to 21 News, indicating that it was taken sometime after 1 p.m. in the area of State Route 170 and Polo Boulevard near the Polo Development properties there.
An interactive map attached below shows the approximate area where the bear was spotted by the viewer.
The viewer also specified that the bear could have been headed in the New Middletown direction.
Adult black bears, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), can weigh anywhere between 150 and 700 pounds, and could be up to five to six-feet-tall when standing upright.
The bear pictured above, the viewer indicated, was not a fully grown adult bear, but was older than a cub.
The ODNR also shares tips on how to avoid any conflicts with black bears, as they are typically non-aggressive.
Tips include:
Act calmly and refrain from running
Warn the bear that you are there in a clear, calm voice
Distance yourself slowly by stepping aside and backing away slowly
Raise your arms above your head to appear larger than the bear if it approaches
Clap or shout to scare the bear away
Leave the area
Black bear sightings can be reported to the ODNR through its online form or by calling a local county wildlife officer or regional District Wildlife Office.
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