Black bears are roaming more in SC. Here’s why and how to stop them from visiting your home
.jpg "Black bears are getting more active in South Carolina.")
Black bears have gotten more restless in South Carolina lately, but not without cause.
From September through the end of fall, black bears — the only bear type that roams the Palmetto State — eat as much as possible to prepare for winter hibernation. The process is called hyperphagia.
More hunting for food increases bear activity and could lead to a rise in 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 South Carolina Department of Natural Resources recommends various methods to protect your home.
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, DNR states.
- 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.
Here are some general black bear facts from DNR.
- 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.
