Black Bear sighted in Licking County for the first time in over 20 years

For the first time since 2003, a confirmed black bear sighting has come out of Licking County.

According to Lindsey Krusling, a wildlife communications specialist at Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), a juvenile black bear was sighted just east of Pataskala yesterday morning, marking the first bear sighting in the County in more than 20 years.

Yesterday’s sighting marks the seventh confirmed black bear sighting in Licking County since 1994. There is an estimated population of 50-100 black bears in the state of Ohio, and they typically inhabit forests in Eastern Ohio.

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In late June of 2023, a black bear was spotted near Three Creeks Metro Park, and was the first sighting in Franklin County in nearly two decades as well.

Krusling said the animal sighted outside of Pataskala was likely a young male bear in search of a mate.   

“The males will wander large distances looking for females, but females typically have a stronger home range; they stay put,” she said. “That’s why most sightings tend to be males.”

 While black bears are typically skittish and very fearful of humans, Krusling said that there are steps people can take to remain safe in the (very rare) instance of an Ohio bear encounter.

“If you see a bear, remain calm, they’re nonaggressive and prefer to flee. If it’s aware of you, avoid direct eye contact and back slowly away, and avoid running or climbing trees. Talk in a firm, calm voice to warn you’re near.,” she said.

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