Thirsty Black Bear ‘Yogi’ Crashes Germantown Backyard For Birdbath Sip

A black bear wandered into a Germantown backyard and helped itself to a drink from a birdbath on the homeowner’s deck, the resident said. Neighbors quickly dubbed the uninvited guest “Yogi,” and the animal was photographed from inside the house before it slipped back into the nearby woods. According to neighbors and wildlife officials, visits like this are most common in late spring, when young bears are roaming widely in search of food.

Backyard Photos And The Birth Of ‘Yogi’

Homeowner Jason Enos snapped photos of the bear from his back door and later shared the images online, where neighbors quickly started calling the bear “Yogi,” as reported by Bethesda Magazine. Enos told the outlet he took dozens of photos before the bear left and that he has since brought his bird feeders indoors.

State Officials On Why Bears Turn Up

In a recent release, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources warned that “After months of not eating or drinking, bears are hungry and in search of easy food,” advising residents to remove bird feeders and secure trash. DNR Game Mammal Section Leader Jonathan Trudeau has said that bears often move along suburban green corridors where trees, shrubs and water provide the cover and resources they need.

How To Cut Down On Backyard Bear Visits

The University of Maryland Extension recommends taking down bird feeders from April through November, storing garbage in secure containers or a locked garage, and keeping pet food and grills indoors to avoid attracting bears. Its fact sheet also notes that young male bears disperse in spring and early summer and can travel far beyond the state’s traditional bear counties.

Tracking, Reporting And What Happens Next

Enos said DNR bear-management staff told him they would like to place a tracking collar on the animal if it comes back, a detail reported by Bethesda Magazine. If you see a bear, the DNR’s guidance is to give it plenty of space and report the sighting; the agency lists a bear-related emergency number and reporting instructions on its website (Maryland Department of Natural Resources).

Neighbors who live next to Black Hill Regional Park said they have already started removing feeders and setting up trail cameras, and wildlife experts say those simple steps help keep both people and bears safe, according to the University of Maryland Extension. For confirmed bear encounters or related concerns, residents are urged to follow the reporting instructions noted above.