If you’ve noticed more bear chatter on social media lately, there's a perfectly natural reason for it! This time of year, young black bears across Alabama begin traveling in search of mates or a new home range after leaving their mothers. The good news? These young bears are usually just passing through, minding their own business, and are not likely to stick around or be seen again.
If you have the privilege of encountering a traveling bear on a trail or passing through your neighborhood, knowing how to react is key to keeping our communities and our wildlife safe.
Encountering an Alabama Black Bear
Seeing one of Alabama's largest native mammals in the wild is incredible, but if you run into one on a hike or in your yard, know these tips to keep everyone safe:
Stay calm and follow these steps
- Back away slowly: Move sideways or back up calmly without turning your back. Always ensure the bear has a clear escape route. Do not corner the bear!
- Identify yourself: Speak calmly in a low, firm voice so the bear recognizes you as a human, not prey.
- Make yourself big: Stand close to your group, pick up small children, and slowly wave your arms over your head. (Note: If a bear stands on its hind legs, it's usually just curious, trying to get a better smell or look—not threatening).
- Do not run: Running can trigger a bear's natural chase instinct—and they can run as fast as a racehorse. Never approach a bear!
Tips for your yard and campsite
A passing bear is looking for a quick calorie fix. If they don't find it, they move on. You can easily discourage unwanted visitors with a few simple habits:
- Secure the trash: At home, put your bins out the morning of pickup, not the night before. In camp, secure your trash in secure trash cans or the large campground dumpsters.
- Feed pets indoors: Never leave pet food bowls out on the porch overnight, and store bulk food in a secure garage or shed.
- Pause the bird feeding: Take bird feeders down during spring and summer when natural food options are plentiful or when you know a bear is in the area.
- Clean the grill: Scrape down outdoor grills after use, so leftover barbecue grease doesn't act as a beacon.
If a bear enters your yard or campsite: Give it space and don't corner it. From a safe distance, make loud noises, bang pots, or wave your arms to scare it away so it learns your yard or campsite isn't a welcoming place to hang out.
Report Black Bear Sightings:
Contact:
Thomas Harms
Large Carnivore Biologist
Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources
Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division
64 N. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
251-626-5474
