Black Bear Scales Tree at Elkridge Golf Course

ELKRIDGE, MD – The Timbers at Troy golf course welcomes a variety of guests, but one visitor did not check in at the front desk before hitting the links this week.

A black bear was spotted climbing a tree near the Marshalee Drive golf course, according to the Timbers at Troy, which shared the pic this morning. A cart staffer reportedly noticed the animal along the road to the driving range.

County officials say the same bear has been journeying to recreational spots and backyards in the area.

"This black bear made its way over to the driving range from Rockburn Branch Park and is suspected to be the same one that has been spotted in the Waverly area," the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

One week ago, a bear near Waverly Woods Elementary prompted the Ellicott City school to go on lockdown.

Sightings have also been reported in West Friendship and Woodstock, where a resident told Fox 45 that the 125 to 150-pound bear was traversing backyards.

Related:

• Bears Make Rounds in Howard, Baltimore, Harford Counties
• 'Cecil' the Bear Wanders into Aberdeen Proving Ground

Typically, Maryland's bear population is concentrated in Washington, Allegany, Frederick and Garrett counties, and most bears stay within a 10 to 25-mile radius of where they live. However, baby bears may roam up to 200 miles in a process called "dispersing" in which they try to find their own territory, natural resources officials say.

Black bear sightings in the state are most common in eastern Maryland in June and July.

After dispersing, young bears usually settle in places with established bear populations in western Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, according to the Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service.

People are advised not to feed bears and if they see them, to give the animals their space and leave them alone. Bears typically shy away from human contact.

Tips to live harmoniously with bears:

• Never feed bears or other wildlife (intentionally or unintentionally). Feeding black bears can seem fascinating and fun, but is a recipe for disaster. Feeding bears is illegal in the state of Maryland.
• Don’t leave bowls of pet food or water outside. If possible, keep all pet food indoors at all times.
• Keep garbage in sturdy, clean containers with tight fitting lids. (Bear-proof cans are recommended in areas where bear interactions become common.) Secure all trash cans and clean them regularly to minimize strong food odors as much as possible.
• Keep compost that contains food materials in enclosed bins away from your residence.
• Keep bird feeders out of reach. Do not over fill bird feeders, and stop filling them prior to the month of April (It has been said that “In April, a bird feeder becomes a bear feeder”).
• Keep barbeque grills clean and secure.
• Always walk your dogs on a leash.
• Do not tolerate bears becoming comfortable around your yard – encourage them to leave by making loud noises, etc.

Pictured, a black bear at the Timbers at Troy golf course in Elkridge. Photo courtesy of Howard County Recreation and Parks.