We’ve got a bear alert, folks. And not just any bear sighting—this is the first confirmed black bear spotted in Licking County since 2003. That’s over two decades without a fuzzy visitor, and now one’s been caught on camera doing a casual stroll east of Pataskala.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the bear was seen near York Road on Tuesday morning, likely just passing through. You can watch the video here.
Officials say it’s probably a young male doing what young male bears do: wandering long distances in search of a mate (relatable, honestly). Since Ohio has very few female black bears, these guys usually don’t stick around for long.
In case you didn’t know, black bears are considered endangered in Ohio.
While they’re more commonly found in the forested hills of eastern Ohio, their presence in central areas like Licking County is rare—this marks just the sixth sighting in the county since 1994. The statewide bear population is estimated to be between 50 and 100 individuals.
So what should you do if you spot a bear (besides excitedly texting your entire group chat)? ODNR has some smart tips for making your backyard less appealing to any surprise wildlife guests:
- Keep trash stored in a garage or bear-proof bin
- Bring bird feeders inside for a bit
- Keep pet food indoors
- Scrub that grill clean
- Pick any ripe fruit off trees or bushes in your yard
And if you do spot a black bear—or any other interesting wildlife—ODNR wants to hear about it. You can report sightings (photos and video welcome!) right here. Your info helps wildlife biologists track Ohio’s growing bear population and keep both humans and animals safe.
Just remember: admire wildlife from a distance, and let the experts handle anything that starts feeling too wild.