About black bears in Ohio
Black bears in Hardin County? A recent Facebook post by Ada resident Noah Griffin suggests damage by a black bear. No sightings have been reported by ODNR in the past.
From Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Black bears are a state endangered species that occurs in forested habitats throughout the eastern half of Ohio. Black bear sightings in Ohio have been increasing since the Division of Wildlife began tracking sightings in 1993.
In 2022, 285 sightings were reported in 52 counties, 161 of which were confirmed based on the presence of evidence such as photos or tracks. Sightings occur throughout the year but are most common in late May through early July.
The number of individual black bears present in the state each year is estimated based on the number and location of confirmed reports, but it is not known how many of these individuals remain present in the state year-round.
It is likely that the majority of bears seen in Ohio are young male bears dispersing from Pennsylvania and West Virginia. In the absence of a resident female, dispersing male bears are not likely to remain in an area for an extended period of time, and until recently, there has not been much evidence of resident female bears in Ohio.
However, in recent years, evidence of adult females with cubs have been documented in several counties in northeast Ohio, near the Pennsylvania border. Adult female bears show strong home range fidelity, meaning once they establish a range, they tend to stay there. This recent evidence of reproduction occurring in the state is a positive indicator for the future of the Ohio black bear population.
Stories Posted This Week
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
- Bulldog softball upset by Delphos Jefferson
- Bulldog baseball edged by Jefferson
- Bulldog boys and girls 2nd at Bloomdale track tri-meet
- ONU classed as "lower access, higher earnings" institution
- Field reports from NW Ohio wildlife officers
- Ohio High School All-State Honors Band and the ONU Symphonic Band perform May 4
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
- William Douglas Burris worked for Rockwell International
- Beatitudes style show proves thrift can be fashionable
- Bulldog softball rallies for win vs. Falcons
- Bulldog baseball loss vs. Falcons
- Bulldogs compete in Ada JH track invitational
- Bulldog tennis loss vs. Bluffton
- Letter: The benefits of vaccinating newborns and children
Monday, April 28, 2025
- Anabel R. McBride worked for Ada Exempted Village Schools
- Trash to Treasure STEAM program on May 3
- Student entrepreneurs compete in 2025 Polar Innovation Exchange
- Lifesaving AED installed at One More gym on E. Buckeye
- St. Mark Community Meal is April 30
- Alfes wins Medalist honors at OAC golf championships
- Wilma A. Willeke worked at Ohio Northern