Maryland Black Bears: What To Do If You See One

CALIFORNIA, Md. — Maryland residents and visitors enjoy everything from wooded parks and hiking trails to rural back roads and suburban neighborhoods. Along with those outdoor opportunities comes the possibility of encountering Maryland black bears, especially in forested areas and places where natural habitat meets residential development.

Black bears are a native part of Maryland’s wildlife, and the state’s population has grown to more than 2,000 adult and subadult bears, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Breeding populations remain concentrated in the state’s four westernmost counties — Garrett, Allegany, Washington and Frederick — but DNR says it receives several sightings and complaints from central and southern counties every year. Understanding how to recognize bears and respond appropriately can help reduce conflicts while keeping people, pets and bears safer throughout the year.

Where You May See Maryland Black Bears

Black bears are most often associated with larger forested landscapes, but they can travel long distances in search of food. That means sightings are not limited to remote locations. Bears may occasionally appear near neighborhoods, farms, campgrounds or parks, particularly where food sources are easy to reach.

Southern Maryland has seen a string of confirmed sightings in recent years, including bears spotted near Piney Point and Mechanicsville in St. Mary’s County and near the Charles County Fairgrounds, according to The BayNet. These wandering bears are typically young males dispersing from Western Maryland. “Basically, we’ve got what equates to some confused teenage bears,” Maryland DNR State Black Bear Biologist Harry Spiker told The BayNet, explaining that mother bears push cubs out in May and June to establish their own territory, and some young bears travel unusually far — occasionally even swimming across the Bay or its rivers — before settling down or heading back north.

Residents across Maryland should know that an occasional bear sighting does not necessarily mean the animal is aggressive or intends to stay in the area. In many cases, bears continue moving after finding little reason to remain.

Whether you live in Southern Maryland, Anne Arundel County, the Baltimore region or elsewhere in the state, it is helpful to understand basic bear safety before spending time outdoors.

How To Recognize A Black Bear

Despite their name, black bears are not always black. Their fur can range from dark black to brown or even lighter shades. Color alone is not a reliable way to identify the species.

Young bears, known as cubs, may travel with their mother. If you see cubs, remember that the adult female is likely nearby. Give the family plenty of space and avoid approaching for photographs.

What To Do If You See A Bear

Seeing a bear can be surprising, but remaining calm is one of the most important steps.

If you encounter a bear while hiking or walking outdoors, avoid running. Running may encourage the bear to follow. Instead, slowly back away while keeping the animal in view. Speak in a calm voice so the bear recognizes you as a person and provide the animal with a clear escape route.

Do not approach a bear for a closer look or attempt to feed it. Wild bears that become accustomed to human food may return repeatedly to neighborhoods or recreation areas, increasing the risk of future conflicts. Officials with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Response Division note that bears are typically not aggressive but can become unpredictable if startled or lured by easy access to food.

If the bear is in your yard, remain indoors or observe from a safe distance until it leaves. Keep children and pets inside if possible.

Reduce Attractants Around Your Home

Many bear encounters begin with easy access to food. Taking simple precautions can make your property less attractive to wildlife.

Store garbage in secure containers and place trash outside as close to pickup time as practical. Clean grills after use and avoid leaving pet food outdoors for long periods. Bird feeders can also attract bears, particularly when natural food is less abundant. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources specifically recommends removing bird feeders from April through November if bears are active in your area, and storing garbage in bear-resistant containers or a locked garage or shed until pickup day. “After months of not eating or drinking, bears are hungry and in search of easy food,” said Jonathan Trudeau, the department’s game mammal section leader.

Garden produce, compost piles and outdoor food storage can also draw wildlife. Regular maintenance and careful storage practices may help reduce unwanted visits. As Karina Stonesifer, director of the department’s Wildlife and Heritage Service, put it, “Though it may mean a small amount of extra effort on our parts, we can all make small changes.”

Bear Safety While Hiking And Camping

Maryland offers many opportunities for hiking, camping and exploring public lands. Before heading outdoors, review park guidance and remain aware of your surroundings.

Traveling with others can reduce the chance of surprising wildlife. Make reasonable noise while hiking, especially around curves, dense vegetation or streams where natural sounds may limit visibility.

Keep dogs under control and follow leash requirements where they apply. Pets that chase bears may return to their owners with the animal following behind.

Campers should store food and scented items properly and keep cooking areas clean. Never leave food unattended around campsites.

Seasonal Bear Activity

Bear behavior changes throughout the year as food availability and weather conditions shift.

In spring, bears become more active after winter and begin searching for food, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources identifies May through July as the peak period for juvenile dispersal, when young bears travel widely in search of new territory — the behavior behind most Southern Maryland sightings. During summer, they continue feeding while raising cubs and traveling through their home ranges.

Fall is another period when bears spend significant time searching for food before winter, with DNR data showing a second activity peak in October and November as bears build calorie reserves for hibernation. During these months, they may be more visible as they move across larger areas.

Although activity generally decreases during winter, people should not assume bears are absent from every location. Conditions can vary, and wildlife may still be encountered depending on weather and other factors.

Help Keep Bears Wild

One of the best ways to protect Maryland black bears is by allowing them to remain wild. Feeding bears intentionally or unintentionally can change their natural behavior and increase the likelihood of conflicts with people.

If a bear repeatedly finds food around homes or recreation areas, it may lose its natural caution around humans. Preventing access to food benefits both wildlife and nearby communities. Statewide, Maryland has averaged more than 480 bear-related nuisance calls a year and about $18,700 in annual agricultural damage over a recent 10-year period, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, which also estimates roughly 60 bears are killed in vehicle collisions each year.

Residents who notice repeated bear activity in their neighborhood should stay informed through appropriate state or local wildlife resources and follow any recommendations provided for their area. In St. Mary’s County, officials have directed residents to the BearWise Six At-Home Basics and to alert neighbors when a bear is spotted, according to The BayNet.

Frequently Asked Questions

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