Summertime means more people are getting out and enjoying the natural wonders of eastern Kentucky, but they aren’t the only ones. Wildlife experts said this time of year is when bears become more active and search for food. Officials said it’s easy to coexist with the animals, so long as a few simple rules are followed.
John Hast, Bear and Elk Program Coordinator for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife said though bears are more active in the summer, it’s still rare to see one.
“Somebody’s hiking in Red River Gorge, or something like that, or if you’re a homeowner in any of the mountain counties and you run into one, the best thing to do, and I tell people honestly, is to enjoy the opportunity to see one. I work with them every day and I’m not seeing them every day. It’s one of those things, take that opportunity,” said Hast.
Hast said bear attacks are a real concern for many people, but there are easy ways to prevent encounters. Primarily, avoid feeding or leaving food out for animals to get into.
“In terms of bear attacks across the country, it is bears that have become accustomed to being fed that are the dangerous ones. They lose their fear of humans, they approach people, we just don’t want people and bears in close proximity to each other. Naturally, the bear is very wary of people, and oftentimes you’re never going to see them, but when they get used to getting that meal, they are more likely to approach people,” said Hast.
Hast said most people will never see a bear, even if there is one nearby. He said the population in the area is entirely made up of Black bears, which are easily scared off by making noise.
More information about bears can be found at bearwise.org.