Black bear sightings reported in Hubbard
HUBBARD, Ohio - Residents along a quiet Hubbard street found a surprise in their yard Wednesday night.
A couple living on Waugh Drive tell 21 News that they were retiring for the evening when they were startled by noises coming from outside the home at around 11:00 p.m.
Upon further investigation, they discovered a bear near their trash can in the rear of the home.
The homeowner believes that bear knocked the trash can over as it was searching for food.
Hubbard Township police received a report of a bear being sighted on Creed Avenue two nights before.
The Hubbard City Police Facebook page said a bear was spotted in the are of Bedford Road over the weekend.
We are entering that time of year where black bear sightings will be on the rise, as the young bears will seek out new territory to claim.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources reports that the black bear population has risen.
The Division of Wildlife held a seminar in Boardman on Thursday night. They say it's this time of year the young, male bears first venture out on their own, leaving Pennsylvania and heading into Ohio.
"They come into Ohio, they are looking for female bears. We really don't have them here so they pretty much make a loop, turn right back east and head right back into Pennsylvania, " said Bryan Kay with the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
Bears are drawn to human activity that can serve as a source of food for them, from bird feeders and trash cans to greasy outdoor grills, dishes of pet food and beehives.
According to Kay, 80% of bear attacks are the result of feeding the animal.
In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to feed the black bear.
"People have to remember that black bears are wild animals they should have a fear of humans so when people start to feed bears, they start to loose their fear of humans and that's not good," said Kay.
To help prevent interactions between the bears and your pets the ODNR suggests keeping your trash cans secure, your grills in the garage or shed, and not leaving bird or squirrel food out.
Black bears are usually fearful of people. Bears do not attack or kill children or pets as long as the bear is given its space.
People should remain calm if they see a bear, and they should not approach it.
"Just let it be, let the bear go where it wants to go. The main thing is you don't want to startle a black bear and you don't want to corner a black bear because it will defend itself," said Kay.
The black bear is native to Ohio and on the state's endangered species list. All black bears in Ohio are protected by state law.
To report observations of black bears, contact the local county wildlife officer, district wildlife office or call 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).
