A young black bear has made unexpected headlines in Baltimore County, meandering through several communities as reported by local authorities and witnesses. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed sightings in areas like Pikesville and Randallstown, with additional reports from Columbia residents as well, according to WMAR2 News.
Gregg Bortz from the DNR informed WMAR that the wildlife officials have been tracking the bear, which is believed to be around 1.5 years old. The bear's travels are part of a natural process termed "dispersing," whereby it leaves its birthplace to find a new habitat. Unlike the concern that might spring from such an urban wildlife encounter, the DNR is not looking to capture, but to monitor the bear's journey, hoping it continues peacefully to more suitable wild environs. A Columbia resident, Annie Weinschenk, shared her surprise bear encounter near a shopping center, saying, "I was like, 'Am I crazy?' I stopped and I took a picture of him, he was so cute," in a statement detailed by WBAL-TV.
As the DNR explains, Maryland's growing bear populations reflect the possibility of humans and these creatures cohabiting the same landscapes. Yet, despite the potential for peaceful coexistence, the proximity of such wildness to our manicured suburban sprawls does invoke a wary sense of unease. An Ellicott City local, Annie Hudson, echoed the sentiments of cautious vigilance when she recounted to WBAL-TV how the community reacted to the bear's appearance: "My friends are texting me because my dogs are on electric fences, and they're outside all the time," Hudson said. "They're like, 'Bring the babies in!' They don't want them to get eaten by a bear."
Residents are advised to avoid interacting with the roaming bear and eliminate potential food sources that may attract it, such as garbage, bird feeders, and pet food.
