Black Bear Spotted Roaming In Baltimore Neighborhoods

A surprising visitor has been making the rounds across the Baltimore region, and it’s not one you’d expect outside the Maryland Zoo.

Multiple residents in Pikesville, Randallstown, Columbia, and Ellicott City have reported sightings of a black bear, prompting both excitement and concern. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, it’s likely the same young bear being seen in all these areas.

Officials believe the animal is a juvenile black bear, under two years old, that’s currently dispersing, a natural process where young bears leave their birthplace in search of a new territory to call home.

DNR officials aren’t surprised by the sightings. The black bear population in Maryland and surrounding states has been growing steadily in recent years, and encounters are becoming more common.

Despite the bear’s cute appearance, wildlife officials urge the public to use caution. If you see a black bear:

Give it plenty of space

Do not approach or try to feed it

Remove attractants like garbage, bird feeders, and pet food

“The easiest way to keep bears out of neighborhoods is by removing food sources,” said Jonathan Trudeau of DNR.

If you spot a bear, report it to your local Wildlife & Heritage office or Maryland’s general wildlife hotline at 410-260-8540.

While the idea of a bear in the suburbs might seem unusual, experts say it’s a reminder of Maryland’s healthy and expanding bear population and the importance of knowing how to coexist with wildlife.