Have You Seen a Bear Around?

Residents of Embry Lane in Northeast Cobb have a new, unwanted neighbor: a black bear.

Margaret Hanson, who lives a mile from Embry Lane, learned about the bear from a neighbor.

"I've taken down my bird feeders. My husband bought bungee cords to secure our garbage can lids for when we set the cans at the curb," she said. "I have not seen the bear, but we're taking preventive steps. My concern is that it will go after children or pets."

Adam Hammond, a wildlife biologist with the state Wildlife Resources Division's Northwest Region Office near Armuchee, told Northeast Cobb Patch that bears do not hunt children or pets.

"Bears are classified as carnivores, but their diet is mostly that of an omnivore. Most of their diet consists of plant material, fruits, nuts, and they'll eat grubs and other insects," Hammond said.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resource reports no recorded bear attacks on humans in Georgia and no fatalities.

How Did the Bear Get Here?

Hammond said the bear is "probably a young male looking for a home. The mother is no longer protecting him, and he's likely been beat up by older male bears, so he's wandering in search of territory."

Wild bears stay away from people, but this young bear has wandered and found himself in the suburbs. He's making due with what's available, Hammond said.

He said the key is to give the bear plenty of space and no free meal. The bear will move on in search of more traditional territory.

WSB-TV reports the Embry Lane bear is being blamed for rummaging through garbage cans and knocking over bird baths. The bear was seen lounging in the shade of a porch.

You can watch a video of the bear at WSB-TV.

DNR officials said they don't plan to trap the bear unless it causes trouble.

How Are Bear Nuisance Calls Handled?

Capturing and moving the bear would not be the best solution, the Wildlife Resources Division says. Other bears might move into the "abandoned" territory. Relocated bears, in an attempt to find their way back, often are hit by cars or stumble into territorial conflicts with other bears, resulting in injury or death for one or both bears.

DNR will resort to capture and relocation only if a bear is a menace and threatens people's safety.

When the Game Management Office receives a nuisance call, WRD tries to figure out why the bear is causing problems. Usually such simple steps as taking down bird feeders, bringing pet food inside and storing garbage in an inaccessible area will resolve the problem.

It could take several days for the bear to learn it will not find an easy meal around your home.

How Do I Protect My Property?

Removing possible food sources that could attract the bear is a critical step, WRD says. You might need to install an electric fence to protect a garden.

If a bear rests on your porch or deck or approaches a window or door out of curiosity, sound a boat horn (a handheld device sold at sporting goods stores) to scare the bear away.

"It is illegal to shoot or harm a black bear," Hammond said.

You can place a nuisance call to the Game Management Office at 770-918-6404.

Georgia has a healthy black bear population of at least 5,100, thanks to wildlife management.

You can read more in the Bear Fact Sheet attached to this article.