Bears on the Move In North Carolina
May 21, 2008
Alamance County Authorities have a number of bear sighting reports over the past few days. Alamance County is not an area that is in prime bear habitat and these sightings are unusual. North Carolina Wildlife officials feel that these are juvenile males out looking for a new home range.
While there is not a permanent bear population in Alamance County, George Strader, a biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, said it’s not uncommon to see a bear or two passing through the county once in a while.
Every year in late spring and early summer, Strader said he gets “numerous reports” of bear sightings throughout the Piedmont.
He said the bear or bears being spotted in Alamance County are likely young male bears that come from either the coast or the mountains who are trying to establish their own territory and that for some reason get dispersed and end up in the Piedmont.
He said bears will more likely follow a water source, such as a lake, creek or river, to get to their final destination in the mountains or the coast.
While the bears are moving around looking for new areas people are encouraged not to leave food out that may invite an encounter. For additional information check this publication out “Black Bears In Residential Areas”
Story & Photo by Dan McLaughlin AKA Moose
Moose Droppings is a place that chronicles my journey, Ill explore new places and ideas Ill learn new things and Ill teach the things Ive learned to others. Join me on the adventure and hopefully it will help you in your outdoor endeavors.
