Bear encounters have been on the rise in Greenville and Upstate SC, with recent sightings reported by locals in Anderson and Spartanburg. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) states that bear encounters are increasing due to people moving into bear territory in areas like S.C.’s coastal regions and mountains.
Tammy Waldrop, a black bear biologist with the SCDNR in Clemson, has been receiving numerous calls from concerned residents in the Upstate regarding bear sightings. The sharing of bear sightings on social media has contributed to a spike in fear among residents. Waldrop mentions that the number of bear interactions appears to be increasing, but an accurate count will be determined through an upcoming population survey using hair snare methods.
There are an estimated 700-1,000 bears in the Upstate region, according to Waldrop. The SCDNR will conduct a population survey to provide an updated count in the next few summers. With the arrival of spring, hungry bears emerge from hibernation and begin searching for food, including winter kill and nutrient-rich vegetation.
Black bears can be found in various regions of South Carolina, including the coastal plain, mountains, upper Piedmont, and even urban areas. When encountering a bear, it is important to follow safety tips provided by the SCDNR, such as staying alert, respecting the bears, never approaching them, and carrying pepper spray for protection. It’s crucial to have a plan of action in case of a bear encounter and to educate friends and family members about bear safety.
