Encountering a bear in Deep Creek

“The best way to be proactive to minimize the chances of having an encounter is to remove any and all food attractants from your property or the community. When these bears fill up in backyards, they’re looking for food, unsecured trash, BBQ grills.”

The reason for seeing so many bears is because the bear population is growing. Breeding season occurs from June through July, and bears breed on a two-year cycle. The young ones get displaced and they have to find their own place.

“They’re just out trying to find an area where a big male bear won’t beat them up,” Eyler states.

Residents can see bears all across Maryland, especially in Garrett County.

DNR says- “We don’t relocate bears. If a bear gets into a situation where it absolutely can’t find its own way out, we will do that. But we prefer to allow the bear to find its own way out of situations.”

It’s very difficult to trap them because they move quite a distance. It’s very rarely the same location unless there’s a good food source. For us to try and trap one, the success rate isn’t really high.” Elyer adds.

DNR adds people in Garrett County live with bears every day, with generally no problems.

Other tips listed on the DNR’s website include:

• Don’t panic. Don’t shoot! Don’t approach. Don’t feed!
• Make the bear aware of your presence by talking in a firm voice
• Ensure the bear has an escape route, so give it space, and keep domestic animals away.
• Back away slowly with your arms raised up to appear large.
• Have all people and pets go inside to wait for the bear to leave.

Remember to never intentionally feed bears. It’s illegal in Maryland, and it is dangerous for you and the bear.

Posted on 06/07/2023 in Uncategorized # dcl, deep creek, deep creek lake, garrett, garrett county, maryland, mountain, mountain maryland, mountains, western maryland