Black bears are the only bear species present in Ohio, and their population is currently small but growing. They are classified as an endangered species, yet confirmed sightings have steadily increased since the Ohio Division of Wildlife began tracking them in 1993. While the state is not home to a large, established population, their presence is now a regular occurrence, particularly in the eastern regions. This rise in sightings reflects the species’ slow but steady return to its historical range.
Where Black Bears are Found
The distribution of black bears in Ohio is heavily concentrated in the eastern half of the state, particularly within the Appalachian Plateau counties. This region provides the large, forested, and less-developed habitats that black bears prefer. Confirmed sightings occur most frequently in Northeast Ohio counties bordering Pennsylvania, such as Ashtabula, Trumbull, and Mahoning.
Bears are also observed moving through Southeast Ohio, with counties like Hocking, Vinton, Athens, and Gallia reporting regular occurrences. The majority of bears seen statewide are transient young males dispersing from established populations in neighboring Pennsylvania and West Virginia. While these males can wander great distances, leading to rare sightings in central and western counties, the breeding population remains restricted to the extensive forest tracts of the eastern Appalachian region.
The Return of Black Bears to Ohio
Black bears were extirpated from Ohio by the mid-1800s due to unregulated hunting and widespread habitat destruction. Occasional reports of their presence began to surface in the late 1900s. The current recolonization effort is primarily a natural expansion of healthy populations from states to the east.
Growing bear numbers in Pennsylvania and West Virginia are pushing young, dispersing bears westward into Ohio’s recovering forestlands. This process is slow because female bears exhibit strong home range fidelity and do not typically travel as far as males. However, evidence of adult females with cubs has been documented in northeastern Ohio, indicating that a small, reproducing population is establishing itself within the state’s borders.
Minimizing Human-Bear Encounters
As the bear population slowly expands, reducing the potential for conflict centers on eliminating attractants that draw bears into human-occupied areas. Bears are omnivores and highly motivated by food, meaning securing or removing common sources of human food is important for coexistence. This includes storing all garbage in a secure building or a bear-resistant container and waiting until the morning of collection to place it outside.
A frequent source of conflict comes from bird feeders, which should be removed entirely from April through November, as bears readily consume seed and suet. Similarly, pet food should be stored indoors, and outdoor grills should be cleaned thoroughly after each use to eliminate lingering food odors. A bear that becomes habituated to human food sources is often termed a “problem bear,” and this habituation can ultimately lead to the animal’s death.
If an encounter with a black bear occurs, the most important action is to remain calm and never run, as this can trigger a chase response. Standing your ground, speaking in a firm but calm voice, and slowly backing away while avoiding direct eye contact is the recommended response. Making yourself appear larger by raising your arms or waving a jacket can also help, or clapping and shouting can scare the bear away if it does not leave the area on its own.