Mechanicsville, MD—Bow hunting season for deer began just last week on Sept. 8. That same day, a hunter living in Mechanicsville (who requested his identity remain anonymous), loaded up his gear and trekked out into his woods. While looking for white-tailed deer, this hunter saw something much different lurking around the forest.
The hunter claims that about 85 yards from his location he saw a large, dark animal with what appeared to be no tail running through the trees. This resident has hunted and killed black bears in the past in other states, and is familiar with their body movements as they run. He said that it had the same gait as a black bear, however it looked to only be about 50-60 pounds, meaning that it may have been a cub.
Some may remember an incident that occurred last year in which a black bear was struck by a car and killed between North Sandgates and Loveville Road. This same hunter says that before that bear was killed, a black bear ran in front of his truck as he was driving home one day, but he did not hit it—meaning that it was likely the same animal. Has another bear wandered into these parts?
Black bears are usually found in Western Maryland, in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick counties, however there are usually a few reports each year of bears finding their way to central and Southern Maryland. It is vital to be informed on what to do if you see a bear in your backyard.
If you are far away from a bear and it does not see you, do not draw any attention to yourself. Vacate the area slowly, without making a great amount of sound. Do not run. Black bears can run around 35 mph, so regardless of any kind of track star history you may have, you will not outrun a bear. Black bears can also climb, so your best move would be to leave the area by walking.
If you are closer to the bear and it can see you, there are a few options that you can proceed with. Nature writer and eco-philosopher Lyanda Lynn Haupt wrote in her book The Urban Bestiary: Encountering the Everyday Wild that if encountering a bear in closer proximity, do not say the word “bear” around them. Humans have fed bears so much in campsites that studies have shown bears are starting to recognize the word “bear” and associate it with food. If you yell the word “bear” as an exclamation of fear, that bear may just think you’re trying to give it food, and come charging. You don’t want to disappoint a black bear running towards you. The saying is true, “a fed bear is a dead bear.” Leave the area in the same direction that you came, slowly. Haupt also says to yell out or speak at the bear in a firm voice if it still seems interested in you. Most bears are more scared of us than we are of them.
If these methods do not work and the bear starts to come towards you, raise up your arms, stomp your feet, and make yourself appear as large as possible. Look the bear directly in the eyes to intimidate it. Threaten the bear with whatever is in proximity if it refuses to yield at this (be it large stick, pole, etc.). If you are traveling in the woods, it is best to bring some form of protection (knife) and to bring a friend or two as accompaniment—even if there isn’t a fear of seeing a bear. It is always best to be prepared and safe.
If you have any questions about Maryland wildlife or safety tips, contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 410-260-8540 or toll-free 1-877-620-8DNR (8540).