American Black Bears (Ursus americanus) are present in South Carolina, and their population has been steadily recovering across the state. Once nearly eradicated due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting, the species has stabilized and expanded its range, leading to more frequent human encounters. Understanding where these bears live and their seasonal patterns is important for residents and visitors to safely coexist with the state’s largest land mammal.
Species and Geographic Distribution
The American Black Bear is the only species found in South Carolina, typically appearing black with a brown muzzle and weighing 150 to 350 pounds for adult males. The state maintains two primary, distinct populations, each inhabiting a different ecological region. The largest population is concentrated in the mountainous areas of the Upstate, primarily within the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding upper Piedmont region.
A second, smaller population resides in the Coastal Plain, centered around the large forested wetlands and swamps of the mid- to upper-coastal counties, including areas near the Francis Marion National Forest. Sightings are increasingly common in the Midlands, usually involving transient, dispersing young male bears searching for a territory.
The current statewide population estimate is approximately 1,100 bears, with the vast majority residing in the mountains. The coastal population is smaller, estimated at around 200 individuals, and faces unique challenges from increasing development and habitat fragmentation. Male bears have expansive home ranges, sometimes covering up to 160 square miles, while females remain closer to their den sites, occupying ranges between 6 and 19 square miles.
Bear Behavior and Seasonal Habits
Black Bears are naturally solitary, except for females with cubs, and possess an incredible sense of smell that guides foraging. Their diet is omnivorous; approximately 80% consists of plant matter, such as berries, nuts, roots, and grasses. The remaining 20% includes insects, small mammals, and carrion, making them highly opportunistic feeders.
During late summer and fall, bears enter hyperphagia to build fat reserves for winter. This drive increases their movement and the likelihood of human interaction as they search for food. Due to South Carolina’s mild climate, most Black Bears do not enter a deep, continuous hibernation.
Instead of a full denning period, bears in the state often experience “winter lethargy,” where they enter a semi-dormant state but may become active during warmer spells. Females will give birth to their cubs in the den between late December and early February, and they will continue to nurse them until the family emerges in the spring.
Practical Steps for Preventing Encounters
The most effective way to avoid conflicts with Black Bears is to remove potential food sources that attract them to human-occupied areas. The law in South Carolina prohibits intentionally feeding bears and requires the removal of attractants when bears are present.
Securing Attractants
- Secure garbage by keeping trash in tightly sealed cans in a garage or shed until the morning of collection.
- Remove bird feeders when bears are active, as the seed provides a high-calorie reward that encourages repeat visits.
- Store all outdoor pet food indoors. Outside feeding should be limited to single portions that are immediately consumed and the bowl removed.
- Thoroughly clean gas and charcoal grills after each use, removing all grease and food particles before storing them securely.
When hiking or camping in bear country, make noise by talking or singing to alert bears to your presence, as they prefer to avoid people. If a bear is sighted at a distance, do not approach it; quietly change your direction to allow it space to move away. If an encounter occurs at close range, remain calm, stand your ground, and speak to the bear in a low, assertive voice. Never run, as this may trigger a predatory chase response, and slowly back away while facing the bear.
State Management and Population Status
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) monitors and manages the Black Bear population. The species is classified as a protected game animal, allowing for regulated management strategies while reflecting its conservation status. The population, while growing, is still listed as vulnerable due to pressures like habitat fragmentation.
The SCDNR uses limited, regulated hunting seasons for population control, primarily in two main bear zones. Game Zone 1 (Upstate) and Game Zone 4 (Coastal Plain) have specific seasons and rules. In the mountains, still-hunting and dog-party hunting are permitted methods, while the coastal zone hunt is highly regulated with a harvest quota and prohibits the use of dogs or bait.
Information collected from the regulated harvest helps biologists assess the population’s health and age structure to ensure long-term stability. This framework balances species conservation with the need to mitigate human-bear conflicts as the population expands into suburban interfaces. The SCDNR also provides public education to promote coexistence and minimize nuisance behavior.