GREENBRIER COUNTY – When we think of things that go bump in the night, we generally recall the most recent terrifying movie we saw or a nightmare we can not seem to escape.
Most of us seldom consider that the black bear may be the state animal. Some Greenbrier County residents have reported sightings in residential neighborhoods and their own backyards.
According to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the black bear represents the state’s untamed beauty and resilience. With recent sightings on the rise, it is critical to respect these animals and take the necessary precautions to avoid or mitigate interactions.
First and foremost, do not feed bears. To lessen the possibility of a disagreement, remove bird feeders, store garbage in a secure spot until the morning of pickup, discard uneaten pet food, and remove bowls. If you have an outside grill, clean it after each use to reduce the scent of food.
Bears are constantly looking for food, whether it be at campgrounds, berry patches, or in rubbish. While bears are naturally driven to food, they will also be drawn to aromas that most of us would never consider.
When dumping certain household goods, we must exercise extra caution. Potential attractants include toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, soap, food wrappers, and cooking utensils containing traces of leftover food.
Because bears have a sense of smell that is thought to be seven times stronger than a bloodhound, the USDA Forest Service warns that they can detect food from miles away. Most bears attempt to avoid humans, but it is necessary to be prepared in case a confrontation occurs.
First and foremost, the USDA Forest Service recommends that you do not run and remain calm. If you are in a group, stick together and pick up tiny children.
It is critical to maintain a safe space between yourself and the bear. Do not turn your back on the animal; instead, face it while you carefully back away.
If, after speaking gently to identify yourself as human, the bear continues to approach, the USDA Forest Service advises you to scare it away by making yourself appear as enormous as possible. You can accomplish this by stretching your arms above your head and making loud noises.
You can also bring bear spray, which is sold at many outdoor stores. It is critical to grasp how to utilize the deterrent correctly before being in an emergency circumstance where it is required.
While bears are inherently afraid of humans, this does not imply that all bears will avoid interaction. A mother bear with cubs, for example, is particularly dangerous because her primary concern is the safety of her children.
So, if you notice one or more cubs, do not approach them. Bears may also advance for a variety of reasons, such as curiosity or, in the worst-case scenario, predatory behavior. In these cases, climbing a tree to escape is not recommended because black bears are good climbers.
They can also outrun any human, therefore attempting to flee will most certainly result in a chase. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources suggests that if you are attacked by a black bear, you fight back. Playing dead is not encouraged, and according to the USDA Forest Service, lying down should be a last resort because it may elicit a predatory response from the bear.
By correctly storing your garbage until morning pickup, preserving your property, avoiding the amount of attractants, and remaining self-aware, you can help to avoid a clash with one of West Virginia’s most beloved and powerful citizens.
There is no guarantee that even if you take all essential precautions, you will not encounter a black bear. In order to coexist, we must respect the boundaries of these enormous creatures and educate ourselves on what to do if we come across them in regular life.
