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<\/p>\nCINCINNATI (WKRC) – A black bear has been making its way across Cincinnati’s east side, generating excitement among residents who are not used to seeing the animal in the area.<\/p>\n
The bear has been spotted in multiple communities over the past several days, with several sightings captured on trail cameras and cell phones.<\/p>\n
A black bear has been making its way across Cincinnati’s east side, generating excitement among residents who are not used to seeing the animals in the area. (WKRC, Provided)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
One of the first documented sightings came from New Richmond, where a resident captured a photo of the bear on a trail camera. The bear was also spotted in Bethel, where Lisa Pack’s nephew photographed it in her backyard.<\/p>\n
“He said, ‘Lisa, I’m not kidding, there’s a bear right in your backyard,'” Pack recalled. “It crossed over to our neighbors.”<\/p>\n
The bear’s journey appears to have continued with sightings reported near Hillcrest Cemetery in Anderson Township. One driver told Local 12 he nearly struck the bear while traveling along Sutton Road near the cemetery. The area is also home to beehives maintained by local beekeepers ‘Save Your Bees,” though those caring for the bees say they have not seen the bear themselves.<\/p>\n
“Only on social media,” one beekeeper said when asked whether the bear had visited the area.<\/p>\n
Additional sightings have been reported in the Cherry Grove area. Residents say the bear crossed Hopper Hill Road, traveled down Lemaster Drive, and headed toward Massey Court.<\/p>\n
Kay O’Bryan Brooks said she received a warning from a neighbor that the bear was headed toward her street.<\/p>\n
“After that, I was just trying to notify the neighbors so that the kids and pets were safe,” Brooks said.<\/p>\n
According to Ohio Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Supervisor Brett Beatty, all of the reported sightings are likely of the same animal.<\/p>\n
Beatty believes the bear is probably a young male searching for a mate, something he is unlikely to find in the Cincinnati area.<\/p>\n
“As we’ve seen with this one so far and with other bears around, usually it may be in your area for a day or two, and then they’re moving,” Beatty said.<\/p>\n
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A black bear has been making its way across Cincinnati’s east side, generating excitement among residents who are not used to seeing the animals in the area. (Provided)<\/p>\n
Wildlife officials encourage residents not to attract bears by leaving food sources outdoors.<\/p>\n
“Make sure any bird feeders are kept up and that we’re not leaving food outside,” Beatty said. “That’s the biggest thing \u2014 just make sure there’s no food source to attract the bear, especially if you have one reported in your area.”<\/p>\n
He says black bears are likely more scared of you than you are of them. If you want to get them away, make loud noises.<\/p>\n