Maryland Officials Issued Black Bear Warning
The state warns residents to secure attractants as bears forage more aggressively before hibernation.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Wildlife
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Would you remove bird feeders or trash to help reduce bear activity in your neighborhood?
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has issued a warning regarding an increase in black bear sightings across several counties. As autumn approaches, bears are traveling further from their habitats to consume enough calories for winter.
Why it matters
Black bears must significantly increase their caloric intake during the fall to prepare for their upcoming hibernation. This biological necessity drives them into residential areas in search of easily accessible food sources.
Black bears in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties must consume over 20,000 calories per day during the fall. Residents are urged to remove trash and pet food from their property to prevent attracting these animals.
The players
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
This state agency is responsible for managing public lands and wildlife populations across Maryland.
The details
To successfully prepare for their denning period, bears often travel miles from their primary habitats to find high-energy food. Removing attractants such as pet food and household trash remains the most effective way for residents to mitigate potential conflict.
Timeline
Fall season: Period of increased black bear sightings.
Mid-November: Start of the hibernation period.
Mid-December: End of the hibernation period.
Culture Shift
This effort follows the established standards of the BearWise program, which provides strategies for human-wildlife coexistence. It marks a shift toward proactive community management of natural habitats in increasingly developed regions.
Residents in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties should immediately secure trash bins and remove pet food from outdoor areas. Taking these simple steps significantly reduces the likelihood of bears approaching homes and properties.
The takeaway
Securing food sources is essential to keeping local bear populations wild and avoiding dangerous interactions near your home. By removing attractants now, you protect both your property and the natural behavior of the bears.
Further reading
Learn more about managing human-wildlife interactions in the Wildlife section.
More information
For more information, visit the black bear coexistence information portal.
Live Poll
Would you remove bird feeders or trash to help reduce bear activity in your neighborhood?
