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Ohio black bears

Ohiosam

*Supporting Member*
11,708
191
Mahoning Co.
My question is: How does the ODNR know how many black bears are in the state when they have no harvest numbers ?:smiley_chinrub:


Historically, black bears roamed the Buckeye State. Unfortunately, unregulated hunting and habitat loss rendered bears extirpated from Ohio by 1850. Today, Ohio is again home to a small but growing population of black bears. Ohio’s bear population is estimated to be anywhere from 50-100 individual bears. It is important we understand a little about the biology and habits of the black bear if we are to coexist comfortably with this Ohio resident.

Most black bears range in size from 100 to 400 pounds, are 5 to 6 feet in length and average 3 feet high at the shoulder. The majority of bears in Ohio weigh between 125-250 pounds, and are juvenile male bears. Dispersing young black bears will often travel great distances in search of new habitat and are most likely to be seen by or interact with humans. These bears are extremely agile and are able to run up to 35 mph, climb trees with ease and swim long distances. Bears are omnivores, meaning they will eat a wide variety of foods. Depending on the season, their diet may include grasses, forbs, berries, mast from oak, hickory, and beech trees, carrion, and insect larvae. Bears will also consume agricultural crops, if available.

View the Species Guide for more information about black bears.

http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/species-and-habitats/nuisance-wildlife/black-bears-in-ohio
 

bowhunter1023

Owner/Operator
Staff member
48,879
274
Appalachia
HA! Good question Sam! Better yet, will they ever admit that the bear are impacting fawns. If bear populations rise, that becomes and viable threat in areas attractive the bears.
 

Milo

Tatonka guide.
8,184
157
My question is: How does the ODNR know how many black bears are in the state when they have no harvest numbers ?:smiley_chinrub:


Historically, black bears roamed the Buckeye State. Unfortunately, unregulated hunting and habitat loss rendered bears extirpated from Ohio by 1850. Today, Ohio is again home to a small but growing population of black bears. Ohio’s bear population is estimated to be anywhere from 50-100 individual bears. It is important we understand a little about the biology and habits of the black bear if we are to coexist comfortably with this Ohio resident.

Most black bears range in size from 100 to 400 pounds, are 5 to 6 feet in length and average 3 feet high at the shoulder. The majority of bears in Ohio weigh between 125-250 pounds, and are juvenile male bears. Dispersing young black bears will often travel great distances in search of new habitat and are most likely to be seen by or interact with humans. These bears are extremely agile and are able to run up to 35 mph, climb trees with ease and swim long distances. Bears are omnivores, meaning they will eat a wide variety of foods. Depending on the season, their diet may include grasses, forbs, berries, mast from oak, hickory, and beech trees, carrion, and insect larvae. Bears will also consume agricultural crops, if available.

View the Species Guide for more information about black bears.

http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/species-and-habitats/nuisance-wildlife/black-bears-in-ohio
squirrel road kills man...its all about muffler bearings and squirrel road kills.
 

hickslawns

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
39,721
248
Ohio
We used to see them between Lancaster and Nelsonville while dirt biking in the WNF in the late 80's to early 90's. Hard to believe there are only 50-100 now when we saw a couple over 20 years ago in Ohio.
 

"J"

Git Off My Lawn
Supporting Member
56,739
274
North Carolina
I sincerely believe that if the DNR counts bear like they count deer then the actual number of black bear in Ohio is probably between 10-20...... Why should we believe they're any better at bear counting then deer?????