2 bear sightings reported in Montgomery County

MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, Md. - Authorities in Montgomery County say they received reports of two bear sightings early Thursday morning.

Montgomery County police say two separate calls for sightings in the Montgomery Village area were received between 5:30 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. 

No other information is available at this time.

Black Bear Fact Sheet from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources:

Black bears are stocky animals with short, thick legs and glossy black or brownish coats. Occasionally, black bears can also be cinnamon or blond in color and can contain patches of white. Black bears are the smallest North American bears, ranging from 5-6 feet long from muzzle to tail. A black bear’s tail is short- averaging 3-5 inches in length. Males and females are generally similar in appearance, but males often are a little larger. In general, sows (females) weigh from 110-250 pounds while boars (males) can weigh from 150 to 450 pounds.

Where can bears be found in Maryland?

Historically, black bears were found throughout much of North America. However, their habitat is now limited to forested areas in 40 states and Canada. In Maryland, Black bears are located primarily in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Fredrick counties. Populations are highest in Garrett and Allegany counties, with bear numbers rising in the remaining areas. In the spring, black bears are often sighted in other areas of the state.

Black bears are forest dwellers and can usually be found in mixed deciduous and conifer forests. Black bears prefer areas with thick understories that contain abundant food resources such as acorns, nuts, berries, and seeds.

Seasonal Black Bear Activity (Maryland Department of Natural Resources)

What is common behavior for bears in Maryland?

Black bears are active throughout the day and sometimes at night. Right before denning, black bears can actively forage for up to 20 hours per day! Generally, black bears are solitary and spend their days foraging for food.

Prior to denning, black bears will consume up to 20,000 calories per day and will increase their mass by 30-35%. Black bears are not true hibernators, but they do slow down their heart rate and breathing while denning. Typically, Maryland black bears den in late November through December, pending on the weather. Black bears will den under large boulders, within simple depressions, in tree cavities, or even under porches and other human dwellings.

For More Information:

• Black Bear Education Trunk
• Black Bear Conservation Program
• Black Bear Management
• Living with Maryland’s Black Bears