Collared black bear in Vinton County helps wildlife tracking efforts

Ohio wildlife biologists collared a black bear in Vinton County to map where the animal moves through southeast Ohio, including areas near homes, farms, roads and recreation spots. The work gives the Ohio Department of Natural Resources a better look at how bears are using the county’s mix of woods, rural land and scattered residences.

Vinton County has long been a key place for bear activity in Ohio. In November 2015, Ohio Division of Wildlife biologists radio-collared an adult black bear there, the first black bear collared in Ohio, part of an effort to measure demography, density, distribution and population growth.

Black bears were extirpated from Ohio by about 1850 because of habitat loss and unregulated hunting, then began appearing again in records as early as the 1930s. Sightings became more common in the late 1900s as black bear populations in Pennsylvania and West Virginia expanded westward, and the Division of Wildlife began systematically tracking black bear observations in 1993.

A June 10 sighting near Pataskala in Licking County was the first in that area in 20 years. In June 2025, ODNR confirmed a black bear south of Wilmington in Clinton County.

A tracked bear can help officials learn whether an animal is staying in forested cover, crossing roads where drivers need to slow down, or spending time near places where food sources could draw it toward human activity.

People who see a black bear should stay calm, do not run, and give the animal space. Speak in a firm, calm voice, step aside, and back away slowly while leaving the bear a clear escape route. Sightings can be reported through ODNR’s Wildlife Reporting System or by calling the agency at (800) 945-3543.