Black Bear Sightings In Md. Neighborhoods Increase
FREDERICK, Md. (WJZ) -- A number of bear sightings in just the last few days around Maryland. The large animals--seen in several residential neighborhoods--and that's putting some people on edge.
Rick Ritter talks to homeowners who say the bears are getting too close for comfort.
There have been several sightings over the past few days, including another Wednesday morning. WJZ obtained video from neighbors, who spotted a bear right in their own backyard.
In their backyard, digging into a bird feeder, the Kerby family keeps its distance while a black bear makes itself at home.
The video--just one of many bear sightings that's been the talk of this Damascus neighborhood.
"Specifically in the backyard. The bear had gone to several neighbors' homes in the back," said Stanley Knight, Damascus.
And plenty of other residential areas.
"When you think about it, that there's a bear here, you're like, whoa," said Leah Miller, Frederick.
From Montgomery County to Frederick, it's one email after the other for Ken D'Loughy with Maryland's Department of Natural Resources.
He says it comes as no surprise since black bears are typically roaming at this time of the year.
"It's peak season for seasonal movement for black bear," said D'Loughy. "Two-year-old males, on the move, basically seeking territories of their own."
With the sightings becoming more common, many wonder why the bears can't be relocated. Experts say that's rarely an option.
"We like to give the bear the opportunity to move out on its own. And generally speaking, this is proven to work out," D'Loughy said.
D'Loughy believes the bears could stick around through August, but doesn't expect any problems.
"Our experience has been black bears are not aggressive," he said.
Experts say if you see a bear, don't approach it and don't feed it. Usually feeding it means it loses its fear in humans, which can end with them being euthanized.
Police are urging homeowners to remove any food sources from outside their home, saying bears are typically after trash, bird feeders and even grills.