ATHENS - According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, 152 black bear sightings were reported in Ohio last year. Of that number, state wildlife personnel confirmed 60 sightings, which is a slight decrease compared to the 64 confirmed sightings in 2010.
The 2011 confirmed sightings occurred in 19 counties and involved an estimated 38 black bears. Most of the reported bear sightings were in northeastern counties. Ashtabula and Geauga counties led the state, reporting 20 and 22 sightings, respectively.
Sightings occurred in every month of 2011, but mostly May through August, which is the peak of black bear breeding and dispersal of young male bears.
Native to Ohio, the black bear is listed as endangered and protected by state law. To report a sighting, call (800) WILDLIFE.
