A black bear was caught on camera strolling across a Darnestown driveway on Tuesday night, shortly after 8pm. The bear appeared to make its way towards the trash and recycling bin, which were securely closed, before wandering off. There were multiple sightings of the bear in the Darnestown area on Tuesday.
Montgomery Parks shared last year that “Black bear sightings have become a common occurrence in Montgomery County between May and July. During this time, solitary bears–often young males–are striking out on their own, sometimes traveling considerable distances in search of a suitable home range to call their own.”
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently shared that black bears have vacated their dens and started exploring the areas around them. “After months of not eating or drinking, bears are hungry and in search of easy food,” said Jonathan Trudeau, Game Mammal Section Leader for DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service. “Black bears rely on their powerful sense of smell to locate food and are attracted to anything that resembles the scent of food. Once a black bear finds an easy meal, they are likely to be repeat visitors.”
Additional information per Montgomery Parks: “By the end of summer, most of these bears find their way to more desirable areas in the western part of Maryland. These sightings are exciting for most people but can be alarming for many citizens who are not expecting to see bears traveling through.
To minimize conflict, residents should take the following precautions:
– Remove bird feeders.
– Secure trash cans.
– Keep pet food inside.
– Eliminate any potential food sources.
Montgomery Parks Wildlife Staff is interested in recording black bear sightings at any time of year. If you see or encounter a bear in Montgomery County, please contact:
Remember to do your part to help keep bears and other wildlife wild! Learn more about living with bears and what to do if you encounter wildlife on the Montgomery Parks website.”