GREENHILLS, Ohio (WKRC) — A sudden increase in bear sightings has residents across the Tri-State area on edge.
“It’s like, wow, that doesn’t happen very often,” said Greenhills Police Chief Jim Howarth.
An officer on routine patrol encountered a black bear running through Greenhills around 1:30 a.m. on Monday, capturing the moment on an in-car camera.
Shonda Ferguson-Gordon, who works near one of the sighting locations, shared her apprehension.
“I was like, okay, I don’t want to see a bear. No thanks. It’s okay. Let the bear stay where he’s at,” said Ferguson-Gordon.
Chief Howarth noted that Springfield Township had reported a sighting on Mill Road, captured on a resident’s Ring camera. Additionally, officers were recently dispatched to a sighting near I-275 in Sharonville.
Brett Beatty from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) said they have been tracking the bear for weeks, with initial sightings in Hillsboro and later in West Chester. Beatty believes the bear seen in Greenhills and Springfield Township is the same young bear, part of a natural repopulation in Ohio.
“He’s in search of a place to set up a home range,” Beatty said.
Beatty advised residents to keep trash cleaned up to deter bears. Beatty also emphasized the importance of maintaining distance from wild animals.
“I tell folks that with any wild animal give him space, you know, enjoy him from a distance. You never want to try to corner an animal, a wild animal,” said Beatty.
In a separate incident, video footage captured a young bear strolling across a yard on Beaumont Court in East Price Hill.
ODNR continues to monitor the situation, noting that bears can travel up to a dozen miles a day. Residents are encouraged to report any sightings. If you would like to report a sighting, click here.