Ohio residents are encountering black bears more often than in recent decades. Since 2022, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has logged over 1,500 sightings, spreading across 69 of the state’s 88 counties.
Recent encounters highlight the trend
In mid‑July, Brandan Smith of rural Coshocton County captured video of a bear rummaging through his trash. The animal lingered for about half an hour before a police cruiser arrived and scared it off with a spotlight.
Other recent reports include Erica Gray near the Village of Fresno spotting a bear at her mother’s cabin, and West Elementary School principal Erin Peoples receiving a video of a bear on her porch.
Even at a local brewery, a bear was seen strolling along a fence line inside a pig pasture, drawing a small crowd of onlookers.
Official data shows a steady rise
The ODNR’s 2026 Ohio Black Bear Monitoring Report notes that sightings averaged 239 per year over the past decade, rising to 260 in 2023, 370 in 2024, and a record 537 in 2025. While the report cautions that most of the animals are transient males likely to move on, the upward trend is clear.
ODNR biologist Katie Dennison explains that growing bear populations in neighboring West Virginia and Pennsylvania are naturally expanding into Ohio.
Safety guidance for Ohio residents
ODNR advises anyone who encounters a bear to remain calm, slowly back away, and avoid running or climbing trees, which can trigger a chase response. If a bear approaches, make yourself look larger by raising your arms, and use loud noises such as clapping or shouting to deter it.
Residents are encouraged to report sightings through the ODNR’s online Wildlife Reporting System or by calling 1‑800‑WILDLIFE (945‑3543). Prompt reporting helps officials track movements and protect both people and wildlife.
Historical context
Black bears once roamed Ohio abundantly before extensive deforestation and unregulated hunting in the 1800s drove them out. The species was declared “extirpated” until the 1990s, when occasional sightings began to reappear. In 1995, Ohio reclassified the bear as “endangered,” and monitoring efforts have continued ever since.
With sightings now confirmed in nearly every region of the state, Ohio’s wildlife officials are balancing the excitement of a possible comeback with the need for public safety and responsible coexistence.
Original reporting: WCHS Eyewitness News Charleston (local) — read the source article.
