More bear sightings reported in Rock Hill area
A young black bear, kicked out of its home by its mother, is likely responsible for a series of bear sightings in York County, says a S.C. Department of Natural Resources biologist.
Five sightings were reported Wednesday to the Rock Hill Police Department and the York County Sheriff’s Office.
While the Natural Resources Department can’t confirm the sightings are of a single bear, they are consistent with a pattern typically seen this time of year, said biologist Brittany Waller.
The five sightings Wednesday in Rock Hill were at Maple Street, Scoggins Street, West Main and Eastover Drive, Main Street and Longview Road and the Food Lion at South Cherry Road and McConnells Highway, according to police and sheriff’s reports.
Previous sightings were near Mount Gallant and Tirzah roads on Monday, according to the York County Sheriff’s Office. Several sightings also were reported in the Clover area, and nearly two weeks ago a sheriff’s deputy captured video of a bear crossing the street near Interstate 77 and Porter Road.
Waller said sightings of bears typically increase this time of year as mother bears force the young bears, about a year old, out of the den. The “inexperienced bears follow their nose and end up in neighborhoods,” looking for food, Waller said.
Their noses can lead them to bird feed, residue on grills, garbage and animal feed bins, Waller said.
Most bears, Waller said, are just passing through, looking for an easy meal. Mature bears, she said, stay hidden at this time of the year.
People who see a bear are advised to “let a bear be a bear,” said Trent Faris, spokesman for the York County Sheriff’s Office. He also advised people not to attempt to feed the bear or approach it.
Calls about bear sightings made to 911 are typically turned over to the Department of Natural Resources, Faris said.
Reports also can be made directly to the department’s website.
Bear sightings have been reported in 45 of South Carolina’s 46 counties, according to the Department of Natural Resources.
People who encounter a bear should “be loud and be big,” Waller said. “Clap your hands, yell at it, bang on something. The bears are more scared of you.”
Waller said the Department of Natural Resources rarely traps and relocates a wandering bear.
Don Worthington • 803-329-4066
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This story was originally published July 1, 2015 at 2:39 PM with the headline "More bear sightings reported in Rock Hill area."