A sad reality of our modern world is roadkilled wildlife. This black bear was unfortunately hit by a car in Adams County earlier this week, but our wildlife biologists are learning from it after taking measurements and studying it. This male black bear weighed in at 261 pounds.
Peak sightings of black bears typically occur in the summer months, but it’s not uncommon to see bears in the winter. They sleep for longer periods during the winter months, but they also occasionally leave their den in search of food.
If you see a bear, you can contact your local Division of Wildlife District Office or report the sighting online – but always leave the bear alone. We rely on reports of black bears and other species to help track population trends. If you observe or receive a report of a species you want us to know about, please report it at wildohio.gov/reportwildlife or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.
Read more about what to do if you encounter a bear in Ohio: http://ow.ly/QapK30cmjpK and learn more about our state’s black bear population: http://ow.ly/lUK030cn8OF