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OWINGS MILLS, MD — Black bear sightings have been reported in the Owings Mills and Reisterstown area recently.
Multiple reports of bears came in on Tuesday and Wednesday both east and west of Owings Mills Boulevard, according to WMAR, which reported bears were spotted in these locations:
- Timber Grove Road at Owings Mills Boulevard
- Thoroughbred Lane at Bonita Avenue
- Sacred Heart Lane
- Bond Avenue
The first two were reportedly recorded on security camera footage at 1 a.m. on Wednesday and 11 p.m. on Tuesday, respectively.
Video from the Thoroughbred Lane sighting showed a bear trying to get into a sealed bucket, according to WBFF.
Typically, Maryland's bear population is concentrated in Washington, Allegany, Frederick and Garrett counties, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and most 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, according to natural resources officials.
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.
During June and July, bears may travel long distances to meet a mate, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports.
Here are tips to live harmoniously with bears:
- Do not feed them. Feeding bears is illegal in the state of Maryland.
- Keep pet food indoors at all times.
- Put garbage in sturdy, clean containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Secure trash cans and clean them to minimize food odors.
- Keep compost containing food materials in closed bins away from your residence.
- Do not overfill bird feeders.
- Keep grills clean and secure.
- Walk your dog on a leash.
- Encourage bears to leave your yard by making loud noises. Allow bears an escape route.
