COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio black bear sightings decreased last year, according to reports received by Ohio Department of Natural Resources biologists.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife documented 135 sightings involving an estimated 88 individual black bears in 2014. In 2013, 158 sightings were received from an estimated 74 black bears.

Sightings were reported in 43 counties. Most counties were in northeast Ohio. Ashtabula and Trumbull counties reported the most sightings, with 21 each.

Ashtabula had 14 confirmed sightings. Trumbull had 13 confirmed sightings and six confirmed nuisance reports involving bears.

Mahoning County recorded 4 confirmed sightings. There were six unconfirmed black bear sightings in Columbiana County.

Division of Wildlife biologists were able to confirm 60 of the 135 sightings in 2014, or 44 percent. This is an increase from 2013, when 34 percent of sightings were confirmed.

Sightings are confirmed by evidence such as tracks or photos.

Most sightings (52%) were reported from May through July.