Warmer weather means black bears in SC. Here’s how to keep them from your home as spring returns
As warmer spring weather returns to South Carolina, so too do black bears.
Black bears begin emerging from their dens after months of hibernation as temperatures begin to heat up. During this time black bears, the only type that roams the Palmetto State, begin searching for easy sources of food, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
South Carolina has an estimated 1,000 to 1,600 black bears. They tend to be found mainly in the mountains, but also along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. Many of those black bears are suspected to move back and forth across the Georgia and North Carolina borders in search for food.
And as bears hunt for food, that can lead to more interactions with people. Bears will have few qualms about visiting homes in South Carolina if they believe there’s some tasty food nearby.
To lower the chances of people and bears needlessly interacting in potentially dangerous situations, the SCDNR recommends various methods for residents to protect their homes.
The methods suggested are best implemented before a bear problem even starts. Once a bear establishes a feeding pattern, it will take longer to encourage it to move on, SCDNR states.
Also, if you see a black bear, you can report it to SCDNR here.
- Garbage cans: Keep garbage in tightly-shut cans. Any garbage left in the open is an invitation for a bear.
- Bird feeders: Take bird feeders down for a while if a bear starts getting into them. They should quickly move on if you do.
- Pet food: Store pet food properly if kept outside. Don’t leave leftover food out in the open.
- Grills: Keep gas or charcoal grills covered and clean to prevent food odors from attracting bears.
- No feeding: Feeding bears promotes nuisance behavior. A bear that becomes accustomed to having food provided is an accident waiting to happen. Also, it is illegal to intentionally feed black bears in South Carolina.
- Camping: Keep a clean camp at all times and keep tents and sleeping bags free from food if you want to avoid attracting a bear. Hang all food, trash and other odorous items away from camp and at least 10 feet above ground and 4 feet from any vertical support.
Here are some general black bear facts from SCDNR.
- Black bears are the largest land mammals in South Carolina. An average adult male can weigh between 150-350 pounds, while a female can average between 100-250 pounds.
- A male’s territory may have a radius of 10 miles; female’s 4-5 miles.
- About 80% of a black bear’s diet is plant matter (plants, berries, nuts, etc.). The other 20% includes insects and meat.
- Female bears begin breeding at about 3.5 years old and generally have one to four cubs every other year.
- In South Carolina, the breeding season runs from June to August and cubs are born about seven months later in late January to early February.
- Bears of all ages are excellent climbers and climb trees when they are frightened.
