Black Bear Report for 2013

Ohio black bear sightings decreased in 2013, according to reports received by Ohio Division of Wildlife biologists. The Ohio Division of Wildlife documented 158 sightings involving an estimated 74 individual black bears in 2013. In 2012, 224 sightings were received from an estimated 93 black bears.

Ohio Division of Wildlife biologists were able to confirm 54 of the 158 sightings in 2013, or 34 percent. This is a slight increase from 2012, when 29 percent of sightings were confirmed. Sightings are confirmed by evidence such as tracks or photos.

Five reports were received of a sow with cubs, although none were verified. Trumbull County reported the most sightings, with 22. Trumbull and Portage counties each had seven confirmed sightings.