Monday, June 22, 2009
|
SOCIAL CIRCLE, GEORGIA - Recent black bear sightings in Cobb (Acworth, Ga.) and Troup counties understandably can be a cause of concern for some citizens not accustomed to such encounters. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, these encounters are not uncommon this time of year and residents should be aware of the increased possibility of black bear sightings this spring and summer. This time of year, young male black bears are temporarily transient and often roam into what's considered non-traditional bear range, including urbanized areas and suburbs.
"Black bears are very timid and generally avoid all contact with people," says Wildlife Resources Division Biologist Adam Hammond. "We urge our local government partners and citizens to remain calm and leave these transient bears alone."
If left alone, the young male bears eventually will return to traditional bear range (the North Georgia mountains, the Ocmulgee River drainage system in central Georgia and the Okefenokee Swamp in southeastern Georgia).
These recent events have prompted the DNR to remind citizens and our local government partners of common-sense precautions that should be taken when a bear has been sighted in their area.
- Never, under any circumstances, feed a bear. Such activity is unlawful.
- Keep items, such as grills, pet food or bird feeders off-limits to bears. Clean and store grills when not in use.
- Keep pet food indoors and take bird feeders down if bears are in the area.
- Convert to "bear-proof" garbage containers, or store garbage in the garage or other enclosed areas until pick-up day.
- Do not approach a bear. Bears are wild animals and therefore unpredictable.
- If a bear has been sighted in your area, be sure to strictly observe all of the above tips to make sure your activities are not contributing to the issue.
According to Hammond, unless there is evidence of aggressive behavior, there's no real cause for alarm. In Georgia, there has never been a fatal attack on a person by a black bear. If you encounter an aggressive or non-yielding bear, notify the DNR immediately by calling 1-800-241-4113 or your local Wildlife Resources Division office.
With the assistance of citizens and local government partners in following these simple precautions, we can all rest assured that these transient bears will not become habituated to people and will find their way back to traditional bear range. Such an outcome is best for our mutual concerns for public safety and welfare, and the conservation of bears in Georgia.
For more information regarding black bears, visit www.georgiawildlife.com or contact a Wildlife Resources Division Game Management office. The public also can visit their local library to check out a copy of an informational DVD entitled "Where Bears Belong: Black Bears in Georgia."
"Black bears are very timid and generally avoid all contact with people," says Wildlife Resources Division Biologist Adam Hammond. "We urge our local government partners and citizens to remain calm and leave these transient bears alone."
If left alone, the young male bears eventually will return to traditional bear range (the North Georgia mountains, the Ocmulgee River drainage system in central Georgia and the Okefenokee Swamp in southeastern Georgia).
These recent events have prompted the DNR to remind citizens and our local government partners of common-sense precautions that should be taken when a bear has been sighted in their area.
- Never, under any circumstances, feed a bear. Such activity is unlawful.
- Keep items, such as grills, pet food or bird feeders off-limits to bears. Clean and store grills when not in use.
- Keep pet food indoors and take bird feeders down if bears are in the area.
- Convert to "bear-proof" garbage containers, or store garbage in the garage or other enclosed areas until pick-up day.
- Do not approach a bear. Bears are wild animals and therefore unpredictable.
- If a bear has been sighted in your area, be sure to strictly observe all of the above tips to make sure your activities are not contributing to the issue.
According to Hammond, unless there is evidence of aggressive behavior, there's no real cause for alarm. In Georgia, there has never been a fatal attack on a person by a black bear. If you encounter an aggressive or non-yielding bear, notify the DNR immediately by calling 1-800-241-4113 or your local Wildlife Resources Division office.
With the assistance of citizens and local government partners in following these simple precautions, we can all rest assured that these transient bears will not become habituated to people and will find their way back to traditional bear range. Such an outcome is best for our mutual concerns for public safety and welfare, and the conservation of bears in Georgia.
For more information regarding black bears, visit www.georgiawildlife.com or contact a Wildlife Resources Division Game Management office. The public also can visit their local library to check out a copy of an informational DVD entitled "Where Bears Belong: Black Bears in Georgia."
Contact:
Robin Hill, Communications Program Manager - (770) 918-6789 or robin.hill@dnr.state.ga.us
Robin Hill, Communications Program Manager - (770) 918-6789 or robin.hill@dnr.state.ga.us
THE OUTDOOR WIRE DIGITAL NETWORK >
FISHING WIRE :
SHOOTING WIRE :
TACTICAL WIRE :
DEALER WIRE :
WOMEN'S OUTDOOR WIRE
© Copyright 2012 The Outdoor Wire. All Rights Reserved.