The young bear sighted in Miami Township. Photo by Miami Township Police Department.
A young male black bear, most likely from Kentucky, has been sighted in Miami Township.

The bear is approximately 2-3 years old and is estimated to weigh 85 pounds. According to the Miami Township Police Department and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the bear has not caused any damage or harmed anyone. The police department is monitoring situation and will only move the bear if it becomes necessary.

According to officials from the ODNR, dispersal of young adult male bears occurs annually, typically as a result of being driven off by their mother as she prepares for the breeding season. Young females have smaller ranges and seldom venture as far as males to establish territories. Ohio does often get dispersing bears from Kentucky, West Virginia and Pennsylvania where the bear population is very healthy.

Contact the Division of Wildlife District Office at (937) 372-9261 to report any sightings, and then leave the bear alone. Enjoy this rare appearance at a safe distance. Do not approach or impede the bears movement.

Some bear reports in Ohio are associated with nuisance situations.

When people remove potential food sources, conflicts with bears often diminish.

Moving bird feeders higher, removing uneaten pet food, keeping trash inside until pick up day, and cleaning up after grilling out all help to deter bears from frequenting an area and becoming nuisances.