VALLEY, Ala. (WTVM) – Black bear sightings are increasing across Alabama as the animals wander into residential areas. Over the weekend, a Valley resident reported seeing a black bear in her backyard, prompting a police response.
Valley sighting
According to Valley Police Capt. Chris Davis, officers responded to the report but the bear walked off into the woods before any action was taken.
Residents near the area said the sighting caught them off guard.
“If I ever saw a bear, I’d honestly be panicking. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen a bear out here. I’m originally from Atlanta, so that’s a whole new type of environment for me,” said Jason Bang.
“I would freak out. I actually didn’t even realize there were bears out here,” said Nakisha Morales.
Why bears are on the move
Black bears are the only bear species in Alabama. Sightings are most common in June, July, and August.
A wildlife biologist identified in the script as Gauldin said juvenile males are the primary reason for the uptick.
“This time of year black bears can be found even in places where you never saw them before, and that’s because juvenile males are on the move,” Gauldin said.
According to Gauldin, juvenile males are too old to remain with their mothers but too young to mate, causing them to travel hundreds of miles. With no specific habitat, the bears wander into residential areas by following the scent of food and resting during the hottest parts of the day.
Gauldin said most black bear sightings in Alabama involve the same small number of bears moving county to county. Wildlife biologists are able to track and predict their movements throughout the state.
What to do if you see one
Black bears are a protected species in Alabama and cannot be hunted. Gauldin said the animals are generally not a threat when behaving normally.
“Black bears are typically, if they’re behaving normally, not dangerous to people. We have never had an unprovoked black bear attack in our state. In fact, other states sometimes have entire tourist industries,” Gauldin said.
Gauldin said the key is to make your presence known without startling the animal.
“The important thing is make sure it sees you too. Don’t ever approach a black bear, but don’t run from it either,” Gauldin said.
Wildlife officials ask that all sightings be reported to Outdoor Alabama.
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