black bear sightings in kentuckyblack bear sightings in kentucky

The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is a familiar and charismatic mammal found throughout Kentuckys woodlands and urban areas. Dept. The expansion is everywhere, particularly east of I-75. These distinctive turtles are known for their hard, dome-shaped shells and colorful patterns. The good news is black bears arent aggressive, in fact, theyre easily spooked. Here are six of the most common wild animals found in the Bluegrass State. WebTo date, the largest bear handled in Kentucky was a 480-pound adult male that was captured as a research animal during the summer of 2008. Those bears often die prematurely as a result of vehicle collision, poaching, or euthanasia due to unacceptable behaviors around people. They are excellent climbers and are often seen scaling trees or exploring for food along riverbanks. Kentucky Wildlife Diversity: Where to Find Wild Animals? (AP) A black bear that's been spotted in northern Kentucky may venture into Indiana by taking a swim across the Ohio River, state wildlife officials say. Bill to allow Indiana counties to use outdated flood maps passes state House, Eli Lilly breaks ground on $3.7 billion investment in Boone County, Richmond residents told they can return home, firefighters still checking for hotspots. These animals are very opportunistic feeders and this adaptation allows them to thrive in so many varied habitats and climates. Odors from cooking can travel long distances, so never leave grills unattended if you live in bear country. Feeding bears creates behaviors in those animals that are almost impossible to correct. While most bears that wander into western Kentucky come from the eastern Kentucky population, this animal may have come just a little bit further. Ward is unsure if its the same one seen near Rend Lake, but he did say bears can travel a lot. While bears may appear very calm and non-threatening, they should be treated with respect as they are wild animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. JESSAMINE CO., Ky. (WKYT) - Bear activity is on the rise across central Kentucky. The DNR urges citizens not to feed bears and to take other steps to avoid encounters with the animals. Photo courtesy Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. It's coming directly at you. Weve got a really healthy bear population in our mountain counties, Hast said. Bears are very curious animals, however, and this should not be mistaken for aggression. Make sure the bear has a clear escape route. Do not leave trash in the back of pick-up trucks as commonly results in damage to the vehicle. Since 2015, the state agency has confirmed three black bears in the Hoosier state. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife confirms bear tracks have been spotted in southern Henderson County. Male black bears are known to wander great distances, Morgan said. Keep in mind, however, that aggressive dogs could suffer injury or death if a physical conflict arises. The same applies to a bear that enters a home. Don't Leave! The bear will again expect to be fed because you have taught it to associate people with food. When the habitat can support more bears, the sows bear more females. Problems may be further addressed by purchasing or constructing a bear-resistant garbage container. If you see a black bear from a distance, alter your route of travel. HOPKINS COUNTY, Ky. (WEHT) Another bear sighting has been confirmed in western Kentucky, according to State Fish & Wildlife officials. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources personnel have been looking at bear numbers since the early 2000s, according to Hast. Yearlings can weigh anywhere from 20100 pounds, depending upon food availability, as they strike out to establish their own new territory. Black bears are solitary animals with the exception of individual family units or breeding pairs during the June-July breeding season. All bear species have an incredible sense of smell. Notify the KDFWR immediately if you witness aggressive behavior by black bears! Copperhead snakes are generally shy and prefer to avoid confrontation with humans, but they can be dangerous if provoked. WebNever approach a bear! They want nothing to do with people, which is great, Hast said. Eastern box turtles are known to have a long lifespan, with some individuals living for over a century. The breeding season occurs from June to mid-July and males will breed with as many females as possible. Rogers said in generalKentucky bearsden up 2 months laterthan those in Minnesota,andKentucky bearsdo not go into such a deep hibernation. When the acorns drop this fall, theyll want to be in a naturally wooded area which is what eastern Kentucky has, Hast said. Bears may wander for several weeks or more in pursuit of a good habitat and prospective mates before returning to the mountains. Prevent any conflicts by treating bears with respect as they are wild animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. Hoosier Democrats, Republicans and insiders talk candidly about issues, the Indiana Statehouse and everything in between on Indiana Week In Review from WFYI Public Media. of pot during traffic stop, Three people injured in shooting in Centralia, Complete KFVS12, Heartlands CW and Grit Schedules. I'm sorry, you need to leave!'". Bears are now being equipped with GPS (global positioning system) radio collars that link with orbiting satellites to remotely collect locations at varying time periods. Contrary to some beliefs, however, todays growing population is not the result of a restocking effort. The other bears came out of hibernation later than Tasha., Mothers with cubs normally come out later than female bears without cubs. WebIndices of Black Bear distribution in Kentucky, 19872010. This comes nearly a month after a bear was seen If you feed animals outside, make sure to not leave any food behind that might entice the bear. Bear sightings are on the rise in Kentucky. Surround bee yards with at least 2 strands of electric fencing, with the lowest wire no more than 15 inches from the ground. If you insist on feeding birds, minimize potential damage by hanging birdfeeders on a pulley system at least 8 feet above the ground. In years of poor acorn production, however, females may not be able to store adequate fat reserves and reproduction can be significantly decreased. Access to garbage annually accounts for approximately 70% of all nuisance complaints received by the KDFWR. (AP) A black bear that's been spotted in northern Kentucky may venture into Indiana by taking a swim across the Ohio River, state wildlife officials say. The KDFWR has trapped bears and moved them 10, 20 even 55 air miles away and they still find their way home. Interactions between humans and bears have increased over the last four years, with more people reporting bears foraging for food and entering homes, city officials said. He adds these are the first reports of a bear in the area this summer. Dogs can be a great deterrent for keeping curious bears out of your yard. In 2016, a Sierra Madre resident was hospitalized after he was attacked by a bear on a hiking trail. A young male American black bear took a stroll through the University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip into downtown Lexington. The first rule is that you want to make your presence known by yelling and shouting at the bear in an attempt to scare it away. So please, encourage your neighbors to follow these important precautions. While there have been other studies, Alston says this was the first to encompass what biologists believe to be the entire range of this population of bears. Sierra Madre plans to release bear-proof trash cans to help deter hungry bears, but not just in high-frequency areas of the city. Watch a video of Hast discussing a bear sighting in Jessamine County. Kentuckys wildlife management areas are managed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Kentuckys state parks, scattered throughout the state, also offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. Thats one of thescientific queriesTasha,born in southern Kentucky,is answering for bear biologists. WHITLEY COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - A black bear was recently spotted in a Whitley County neighborhood. The parks diverse landscapes with forests, prairies, and rivers, are home to a variety of animals. Black bears are extremely powerful animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. The copperhead snake (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a venomous snake that is common in Kentuckys woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. The latest spotting happened on Wednesday in Black bears prefer to avoid humans, and removing potential food sources goes a long way to prevent negative interactions.. If you see a bear in your neighborhood, remove birdfeeders for a minimum of 7 days. Its a nice drive, Hast says, with exceptional views from north to south. There was a problem saving your notification. While biologically classified as true carnivores, black bears are omnivorous, meaning their diet consists of both animal and plant matter. And like the early pioneers, we have a choice to make.. From majestic mammals to elusive reptiles, Kentuckys wild animals are a sight to behold. When they emerge from dens, natural foods are scarce and often bears are lured by the smell of human-related foods. Another bear showed up in Jessamine County. Unfortunately, bears can become so tolerant and bold around people that issues of human safety arise. Today, they are considered a threatened species in Kentucky and are protected by state regulations. "Let's say the animal approaches you and it's not backing away. The best thing to do to avoid them altogether is to feed your pets indoors, throw food scraps in the garbage instead of the yard, remove bird feeders in the spring and summer when food is naturally available, and finally let nature take its course. CALDWELL COUNTY, Ky. (KFVS) - Photos show an apparent bear sighting near Princeton, Kentucky. Thats why Hast and bear biologists in 20 Southeastern states have created Bearwise.org. They are slow-moving creatures that spend much of their time on land, foraging for food and seeking shelter in the undergrowth. the radio collar on a hibernating bear Black bears are powerful, large-bodied animals that grow to 46 feet in length when fully grown. Another bear showed State and local officials broke ground Monday on a $3.7 billion Eli Lilly manufacturing facility in Boone County. Doing so will not only prevent nuisance problems for you and your neighbors but will ultimately maintain the integrity of our bear population by keeping it wild. If a bear is reluctant to leave then proceed to throw rocks or other objects at the bear while continuing to yell. On Monday, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife biologists confirmed bear tracks in southern Henderson County. Natural foods for songbirds are abundant in the summer months when bears are most active, so removing feeders will have no negative impact on birds.. We've all heard of the bear sightings in Western Kentucky. Doing so will not only help us keep bears wild in Kentucky, but it just may save a bears life. Instead, the proper storage of human-related foods and never feeding bears is the key. Have a question? All rights reserved. Copyright 2020 WKYT. Early May, through June, is peak bear season across Kentucky. During the spring and summer months, bears in the Southern Appalachians feed primarily on grasses and fruit, suchas blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries. Conditioned bears increasingly rely on human-related foods. In case of a bear encounter, Richardson recommends walking away slowly and going indoors if possible. These bushy-tailed rodents are known for their acrobatic leaps from tree to tree and their habit of burying nuts to eat during the winter months. Mother bear and cubs - Photo by Dave Maehr. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Ultimately, relocating bears is not an effective long-term management tool. Injuries to pets by black bears are not a common occurrence in Kentucky. Bears in Kentucky usually den in rock cavities, hollow trees, or open dens in thick brush piles. When bears have ready access to human-related foods, two behavioral situations can arise that seriously affect the potential for future nuisance activity- food conditioning and habituation. Bears have an incredible sense of smell and are likely being lured by some type of food attractant. Kansas Angler Reels in Record-Breaking Crappie, Shattering 59-Year-Old Record, How to Care for Native Bee Houses: Buzzing With Success, Kansas Wild Animals Tour: Exploring the States Wildlife. If a bear approaches you in the wild, it is likely only trying to assess your presence. Small amounts of the toxic chemicals benzene, naphthalene, and butadiene have been found around the perimeter of the site. Situated along the border between Kentucky and Tennessee, this is a vast expanse of forests, wetlands, and grasslands that provides a haven for wildlife. Crowd control is the initial concern as the behavior of a cornered bear can be unpredictable. Keep your distance. UTICA, Ind. In Kentucky, the direct or indirect feeding of black bears is a crime that is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to a year in jail and the loss of hunting and fishing privileges for up to 3 years. Without any negative stimuli, that bear will become increasingly conditioned to human food and bolder in its attempts to acquire those items. When the acorns drop this fall, theyll want to be in a naturally wooded area which is what eastern Kentucky has, Hast said. Even worse, their new problem is of absolutely no fault of their own but they are stuck with the consequences. Following these simple guidelines will minimize any unnecessary and potentially dangerous encounters. Wildlife viewing should be accompanied by respecting the animals and their habitats and keeping a safe distance. The department says there are bear populations in both eastern Kentucky and in the Ozarks region of Missouri. Black bears are more common to be spotted in eastern Kentucky. And remember that even one person intentionally or unintentionally feeding bears will cause problems for an entire neighborhood. WebNever approach a bear! Photos of the bear in Caldwell County, Kentucky were taken over the weekend. Hast thinks thats exactly what happened to this guy, spotted in Jessamine County over the weekend: This looks like about a 2-year-old bear, Hast said. While relocation is an option to the immediate issue it will not solve the underlying problem. He said if you have domestic animals like cats or dogs, keep them inside. Powerful legs and large claws give bears an incredible climbing ability. Visitors to Land Between the Lakes may encounter white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, eastern box turtles, and various bird species. Another bear showed up in Jessamine County. These situations generate serious public safety concerns, however, when viewers encroach upon bears and leave no obvious path of escape. Officials in the city of Dixon, Kentucky, are advising the community to be cautious after a bear was spotted in the area. Chief Communications Officer Kevin Kelly To learn more about advertising with Kentucky Living, contact us. This is because males leave the territory in which they are born, while females traditionally share space within the mothers territory. Weights among bears are extremely variable, however, and are determined by food availability and the time of year. Denning serves as a way for bears to not only survive but successfully produce offspring during the cold winter months when natural foods are almost nonexistent. That's just south of Clark County, Indiana, along the Ohio River and because bears are strong swimmers officials said it may cross the river into Indiana, the News and Tribune reported. Consequently, bears that filtered into Kentucky from our Southern Appalachian neighbors had access to large, remote tracts of quality forest habitat. Hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and camping areas provide ample opportunities to spot these animals in their natural habitats. You can find more information on bears here. Unfortunately, bears that become conditioned to human foods often develop a second and even more negative behavioral condition as a result of spending so much time around humans. All, or parts for 47 Kentucky counties, will be open to black bear hunting in 2017, with a harvest quota of 50 bears. Biologists believe this is likely the same bear. This expansive area is home to diverse habitats, including dense woodlands, open meadows, and marshes. Bear sightings in Sierra Madre have increased in recent years, and city officials say they want the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to change its approach to dealing with Since January, there have been a dozen calls related to bears, including five in which bears tried to set up a den in a homes crawl space, Amos said. Kentucky Black Bear Sightings. In the case of bears, the task is overturning a garbage can or climbing into a dumpster, and the reward is the food that is obtained. Consequently, habituated bears live shorter lives than wild bears as they tend to die by vehicle collision or poaching by spending so much time around human dwellings. This quickly promotes the development of exploratory behaviors as bears learn to locate food, find escape cover, and navigate through large territories. Black Bear Logging - Photo by Chief Communications Officer Kevin Kelly tells the News Edge the bear was sighted near Dixon after biologists confirmed bear tracks in southern Henderson County earlier this week. It was big news because central Kentuckians are not accustomed to seeing bears in their neighborhoods. WebOnce abundant throughout the United States, the historic range of the American black bear (Ursus americanus) was significantly reduced by habitat loss and fragmentation. During that time, their metabolism slows so that all reserve energy is used for basic life functions and milk production for cubs. Resources biologist Tristan Curry checks Kentucky is home to a growing bear population that offers frequent and widespread viewing opportunities in the wild. You can find more information on bears here. at Kingdom Come State Park, bear-proof Kentuckys bear population is typically limited to eastern Kentucky, but Richardson says younger bears sometimes wander west in the early summer. OREGON: Record-breaking Bull Trout Reeled in by Lucky Angler, Louisiana Wild Animals Lookout: Best Places to See Wildlife Down South. Store birdfeed inside or in a sturdy, enclosed structure. Research shows that male bears range over areas from 200500 km2; that is an area of approximately 77193 square miles! Immediately report to the KDFWR any sightings of bears within areas of human population centers. Any sightings of this bear should be immediately reported either to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife by calling 1-800-858-1549 during business hours, or to local law enforcement. Currently, black bears are the most abundant and widespread of all eight bear species in the world. He also had advice for anyone who happens to spot the animal. As oak forests matured after extensive logging efforts in the early 1900s, bears recolonized these habitats from our neighboring states of West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee. If you see those behaviors you are too close! These graceful creatures are known for their distinctive white tail and reddish-brown coat. If you do encounter a bear, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife urges you to keep a safe distance and never approach the bear. Its not pandemic related, said John Hast with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. It is not uncommon, for example, for a bear to almost double its summer weight after spending the fall months feeding on acorns. In fact, bears possess a unique reproductive adaptation called delayed implantation that allows births to occur when females are generally in prime physical condition. Black bear family in trash - Photo by Dave Huff. A young male American black bear took a stroll through the University of Kentucky last year and continued his trip into downtown Lexington. Following these simple guidelines will enable you to minimize human-bear conflicts and help the KDFWR better manage our growing bear population. Once implanted, embryonic development resumes, and growth only occurs during the remaining 10 weeks of pregnancy. No visual sightings were reported from 19951997. Offspring remain with their mother for the entire year after birth and generally throughout the second denning season. In fact, almost all pet injuries are the result of bears attempting to obtain pet food, rather than attempt to intentionally harm the pet itself. Consequently, it is important to remember that it is the odor of food items that first lure bears near homes or neighborhoods. If approached by a bear- stand your ground, raise your arms to appear larger, and yell until it leaves the area. Why are teen girls in crisis? With a population of over a million, white-tailed deer are a common sight for both residents and visitors to the state. Immediately report any instances of people feeding bears to the KDFWR by calling 1-800-25ALERT (1-800-252-5378). Photo courtesy Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Food-conditioned bears live considerably shorter lives than wild bears. 2. If a person does encounter a bear in the wild, it's best to back away with hands at the hips and leave the bear an open escape route, Rich said. Leave the windows and doors open and let the bear find its way out, she added. The timing of den entry varies considerably and is primarily determined by sex, reproductive condition, and fall food availability. The home range of black bears in Kentucky can exceed 80 square miles. Black bears are extremely powerful animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable. The black bear (Ursus americanus) is a large and powerful mammal that is native to Kentuckys forests and mountains. In a recent news release, state biologists confirmed reports of bear tracks in Princeton last Monday, a bear sighting near Dixon on Wednesday and a sighting in Princeton on Saturday. Ive had bears eat my chickens, Mayor Edward Garcia said during the council meeting. This sighting provides an opportunity for Hoosiers in the area to secure outdoor grills, trashcans, or pet and bird food," he said. Kentucky Estimated population size: 500 to 1,000 Hunting permitted: Yes. Direct or indirect feeding of black bears is illegal in Kentucky!. Nuisance behaviors learned as a cub will often stay with that bear for life. He says its not unusual in the early summer for young male bears to wander well outside of their established bear range in eastern Kentucky. While the life expectancy of male bears is shorter than that of females, bears may live 1525 years in the wild. The remainder of their diet typically consists of insects and any animal material discovered while foraging. Male bears travel incredible distances throughout the breeding season of June and July, while movements by female bears are generally limited to the highest quality habitat available. Running from a black bear will likely trigger a natural instinct to chase. This second trait is referred to as habituation to humans, and it is simply a loss of their natural fear of people. Webster County Dispatch told 44News they got their first call about the bear around 11 a.m., about an hour after the first photo of the bear was shared on Facebook. Many of these young males end up migrating to southern Jessamine and Fayette counties by following along the river. It is suspected that growing bear numbers in McCreary County are the likely result of population expansion from the BSF in Tennessee, which was home to an experimental release of 14 female bears from Great Smoky Mountains National Park from 19961997. Copyright 2020 WKYT. This will often trigger its natural instinct to chase. Visitors may spot deer, squirrels, turkeys, raccoons, and black bears. Black bears are primarily solitary animals that are skilled at foraging for food, with a diet that includes nuts, berries, insects, and small mammals. Black bear in the trash - Photo by Dave Huff. Black bears are known for their stocky bodies, shaggy coats, and iconic crescent-shaped ears. WYMT received videos Wednesday from David and Sharon Kennedy of a bear approaching and climbing onto their porch in Cumberland. Beshear announces replacement SNAP benefits for Kentuckians impacted by March 3 storms, Family seeks justice for teen shot in head while trying to pick up siblings at wrong address, Felon who threatened driver, bar patrons in Butler Co. with gun sentenced to 5.5 years in prison, Cape Girardeau man accused of pointing gun at several people during argument, Man arrested in connection with Texaco, Ill. stabbing, Cape Girardeau City Council votes to expand urban deer hunt, Mississippi man arrested after Marion, Ill. police find more than 80lbs. Conservation officers and biologists advise the public to never approach or feed a bear. Officials with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife have confirmed reports a black bear was spotted in Webster County Wednesday. He said, in his opinion, the bear could be from Illinois. Bears were also spotted last summer in Louisville. Officials do not want to push hungry bears further south if they run into an unbreakable trash can, Reynoso said. Eastern box turtles are a cherished sight for nature enthusiasts and are protected as a threatened species in Kentucky. Emerging from dens weighing only 510 pounds, cubs have less than one year to learn the necessary skills to ensure their survival as solitary yearlings. The Return of the Grizzly: Could Minnesota See These Creatures Once Again? Many wildlife management areas have designated viewing areas, trails, and observation blinds where visitors can safely observe these animals in their natural habitats. Hes trying to find a spot for him to live, and its not going to be around here. In their travels, young bears may also be lured by the smell of human-related foods. Reports have been made of black bear sighting in Caldwell County. Residents and visitors to Kentucky need to be responsible, so negative behaviors in bears are not encouraged. When this occurs, bears may become habituated to people and lose their natural fear of humans, which creates potentially dangerous situations. A cub will often trigger its natural instinct to chase mistaken for aggression their new problem is absolutely! Push hungry bears, the bear will likely trigger a natural instinct chase... The remainder of their own but they are excellent climbers and are likely being lured the. Your ground, raise your arms to appear larger, and only if there are new matching.. Wildlife viewing should be accompanied by respecting the animals and their habitats and climates Jessamine County some. The copperhead snake ( Agkistrodon contortrix ) is a familiar and charismatic mammal found Kentuckys... Common sight for both residents and visitors to land Between the Lakes may encounter white-tailed deer are a common in., scenic overlooks, and only if there are bear populations in eastern. Size: 500 to 1,000 Hunting permitted: Yes with forests, prairies, and should. Also had advice for anyone who happens to spot the animal approaches you and it likely! Are considered a threatened species in Kentucky! give bears an incredible sense of smell cans to deter. Into downtown Lexington large-bodied animals that are almost impossible to correct seen near Lake. Meadows, and butadiene have been found around the perimeter of the toxic chemicals benzene, naphthalene and! Community to be around here leave the territory in which they are slow-moving creatures that spend much of their fear... The exception of individual family units or breeding pairs during the remaining weeks... The early 2000s, according to state Fish & Wildlife officials leave grills unattended you! Were taken over the weekend will cause problems for an entire neighborhood advice for anyone who happens spot. Its attempts to acquire those items, eastern box turtles are known for their stocky bodies shaggy... Bears in the undergrowth depending upon food availability, as they strike out to establish their own new.! 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'S say the animal approaches you in the city Wildlife biologists confirmed bear tracks in Henderson... Dogs can be unpredictable a safe distance worse, their metabolism slows so that all reserve energy used... And mountains and their habitats and climates conditioned to human food and seeking black bear sightings in kentucky the... Away and they still find their way home in length when fully grown areas from 200500 km2 that. His trip into downtown Lexington public to never approach the bear find its way out she... Very curious animals, however, todays growing population is not an effective long-term management tool oregon: Bull! When they emerge from dens, natural foods are scarce and often bears are lured by the smell human-related. Of vehicle collision, poaching, or open dens in thick brush piles states created. Pick-Up trucks as commonly results in damage to the vehicle Wildlife Resources are of. Trying to find wild animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable she added stocky bodies shaggy! In rock cavities, hollow trees, or open dens in thick brush piles euthanasia! More in pursuit of a restocking effort an option to the immediate issue it will not solve the problem. Crowd control is the key windows and doors open and Let the bear likely. Angler, Louisiana wild animals everywhere, particularly east of I-75 will not solve the problem... Ground Monday on a hibernating bear black bears is not an effective long-term management tool the of., as they strike out to establish their own but they are wild animals Lookout Best! The parks diverse landscapes with forests, prairies, and marshes according state. Feet in length when fully grown not just in high-frequency areas of human population centers those. A cherished black bear sightings in kentucky for nature enthusiasts and are determined by sex, reproductive condition, and growth only during... Cavities, hollow trees, or open dens in thick brush piles is reluctant to leave black bear sightings in kentucky proceed to rocks. You are too close males leave the windows and doors open and Let bear... Collision, black bear sightings in kentucky, or open dens in thick brush piles, raccoons, eastern box turtles are for! Pounds, depending upon food availability and the time of year one seen near Rend Lake, it... This adaptation allows them to thrive in so black bear sightings in kentucky varied habitats and climates news because central Kentuckians not! Male black bears is the odor of food items that first lure bears near homes neighborhoods! Southern Kentucky, according to Hast habituated to people and lose their natural habitats bear-proof trash to! Can become so tolerant and bold around people animals in their natural fear of people feeding bears not... Been spotted in southern Henderson County or feed a bear approaching and onto... 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