It all started back in July, when a visitor to Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest snapped a picture of a bear near Lake Nevin. The photo was turned over to forest officials, and that was the last anyone heard of it — until last week.
That's when trail cameras — motion-sensitive cameras stationed throughout the forest — captured these images:
It's a black bear, probably young, probably male. It’s also the first confirmed bear in Bernheim in almost 100 years.
Bernheim Executive Director Mark Wourms says it’s probably the same bear because there aren’t many reports of bears in the area. He says it makes sense for a young male bear to be wandering into new territory this time of year.
“They are pushed out of their home ranges in the summer and spring, and they have to migrate around,” Wourms says. “They move around looking for food, looking for a great habitat, and of course, looking for females.”
This particular guy shouldn’t have much trouble with the ladies — if he ever finds any. “He’s robust, he’s got a great coat color, he looks sharp,” Wourms says. “He looks like a very healthy bear.”
But love isn’t all he needs.
“This time of year is when bears in general are really fattening up for the winter,” Wourms says. Bears have to gain enough weight to nourish them throughout their winter hibernation. This bear is probably snacking on Bernheim’s acorns and berries, digging up roots, and scavenging for carrion. “Just eating anything he can find,” says Wourms.
This furry bachelor is likely from Eastern Kentucky, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Before human settlement, that area and the area that’s now Bernheim were home to large bear populations. But their numbers dwindled as settlers chopped down trees and hunted them for their meat and fur.
Now researchers are hopeful they’re coming back. And Wourms says the appearance of this bear is very encouraging. “Eventually they’re going to find these rare forest blocks like Bernheim, which will act as a respite or even as a secondary population," he says.
If you’re a bear looking for a sweet spot to sleep away the winter, you could do a lot worse than Bernheim. “We of course have some wonderful rocky outcrops that would be possible, we have some downed logs,” Wourms says. “There are even a few small caves.”
If the bear does stick around for a while, he will likely run away from any encounters with humans.
“Black bear are not grizzlies, black bears are much more timid animals,” Wourms says.
Their eyesight is poor, but their keen noses and ears will help them sense (and run away from) nearby humans. But if you do happen to see this woodland creature, show him the proper respect.
“Don’t chase after him, don’t approach, don’t try to feed him,” Wourms says.
And keep your dog on a leash.
Back in July when a bear was first spotted, attendance at Bernheim jumped. They expect to see lots of visitors this fall, as people try to get a glimpse of the bear in person. But even if you don’t see him, you might see his footprints, evidence of him scratching on the trees, or something else: “Scat,” Wourms says. “It’s very distinct.”
Bernheim has decided to name the bear, and they’re inviting the public to vote. Possible names are Bernie, Ranger, and Wilson, and voting is open on Bernheim’s websiteuntil October 12.
