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Black Bear Spotted In Southern Anne Arundel County
ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has been monitoring the movements of a yearling black bear that has wandered into southern Anne Arundel County as it seeks out a suitable habitat of its own. The bear likely traveled into the area from western Maryland or Virginia on its own.
“Black bears are wild animals that move across the landscape where and when they choose, often crossing man-made structures like roads, fences and parking lots, where they become visible to people,” said Paul Peditto, Director of DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service. “While it is not common to see a bear in Anne Arundel County, we see dispersing bears in Montgomery, Baltimore, and Harford counties every year.”
DNR’s established protocol and response plan to address human/bear encounters are based on decades of black bear research in Maryland.
“Experience has taught us that the safest response for the bear and Maryland’s citizens is to let the bear wander through on its way to a more acceptable habitat,” added Peditto. “It is not uncommon for a dispersing bear to roam more than 30 miles in a day.”
DNR will continue to monitor the movements of the bear, which at this time poses no known threat to public safety. Black bears are not aggressive animals by nature, but can be dangerous if they become dependent upon human food sources or are startled. If you happen to see the bear, don’t approach it. Always allow an escape route for the bear, and make loud noises so that the bear does not become comfortable around people. DNR also encourages residents to secure trash, birdfeeders, and pet food so that the bear does not become dependent on human foods.
For more information about black bears visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/fs/blackbear.html.
August 6, 2008 Contact: Olivia Campbell
410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell
ocampbell@dnr.state.md.usMaryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov