Black bears are a common wild animal to encounter in Greene County. While black bears are rarely aggressive, they tend to defend themselves when feeling surprised or threatened. The best way to protect yourself and wild animals is to avoid all interaction possible.
If you do encounter a black bear, there are a few tips to keep yourself and the bear safe.
1. Immediately and quietly remove all children from the area.
2. If you see the bear first, stand still and do NOT approach. Slowly back away from the bear in the opposite direction; running may trigger a chase response from the bear.
3. From a safe distance: make loud noises (ex. banging pots and pans together), wave your arms, and attempt to look larger (ex. standing on higher ground).
4. Keep bear spray accessible and easy to reach. Only use bear spray when necessary.
For additional information on staying safe around bears, follow the link below.