Black bear spotted in Licking County for the first time in over two decades
PATASKALA, Ohio (WCMH) – A black bear was spotted in Licking County for the first time in more than 20 years on Tuesday morning.
The bear was observed in a field just east of Pataskala, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Outside of the Tuesday sighting, the last confirmed report of a black bear in Licking County was in 2003. Before that, five black bears were spotted in the county dating to 1993, when the agency began documenting sightings.
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The species is considered endangered in Ohio, which has an estimated population of about 50-100 black bears. The state saw a significant decline in black bears in the mid-1800s due to unregulated hunting and extensive deforestation, according to the department.
Black bears are most commonly found in 'eastern forested areas' in the state, according to ODNR. Most of the sightings are of young male bears roaming large distances in search of females, who tend to establish a territory and stay there.
On Monday morning, just days before the Licking County sighting, a black bear was spotted in Guernsey County. The bear was seen on Country Club Road moving toward Byesville, according to the Guernsey County sheriff's Facebook page.
Sightings in Guernsey County are more common than in Licking County. Guernsey has seen 30 confirmed sightings since 1993, including two last year. There have been 'several other' confirmed reports so far in 2025, mostly in the northeast and southeast portions of the state, according to the ODNR. A spokesperson said the department typically does not compile the exact number of sightings until the end of a given year.
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In Ohio, sightings of the animal are most common from late May through early July, the state department said. Black bears are the only species of bear found in the state.
The ODNR recommends residents who live in an area with a recent sighting keep their trash inside a garage, remove bird feeders, keep pet food inside, clean grease from outdoor grills and pick any fruit from their yard to avoid attracting the species.
If an individual does encounter a black bear, they should remain calm, avoid eye contact and slowly back away, according to the state agency. Residents should not run or climb trees, because these actions may provoke a chase. If a bear does begin to approach, the department suggests people raise their hands above their head to appear larger, and clap or shout to scare it away. It is illegal to shoot or injure a black bear in Ohio.
Of the about 750,000 black bears in North America, the species kills fewer than one person per year on average, according to the North American Bear Center.
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'Generally, black bears are non-aggressive and prefer to flee from the area as soon as they are aware of your presence,' the ODNR's website reads.
The Ohio Division of Wildlife is monitoring sightings and will respond if a black bear becomes a nuisance or public safety concern. Sightings can be reported to the division on its website or by calling 800-945-3543.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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