How horrible.......we live in Gwinnett county outside of Atlanta and there have been three sightings of black bears within the past month. One in a park that we walk our dog in every day....another in the parking lot of the hospital and the last was hit by a car. They believe the sightings were three different bears based on when they were spotted.
Frankly being a little old lady who would most likely have a heart attack if I ever saw one I have made my walks in the park very short!! But I do feel bad that these bears are leaving their natural habitat and coming to visit us in a very overcrowded county. One actually was seen a year ago in Atlanta and was eventually killed by a car.
So what do you suggest I do.....stay out of the parks? I just wonder how long they stay in one location...we usually walk the trails through the woods.
The bear ranges at least fifty miles a day. He may be in the park one day and gone the same day. Of course, he might NOT be in the park one day and be IN it the same day. They really travel.
Grannyheart, we live in Gwinnett too (Duluth). I have we've seen a number of large deer-- including some big bucks-- around our subdivision. If they feel comfortable there, the bear are probably close by.
Go to the gym, granny.
"But I do feel bad that these bears are leaving their natural habitat and coming to visit us in a very overcrowded county."
I think you have this concept reversed.
I hate to scare you, but the most likely place to find bears is walking right down the trail. Particularly during seasons when the berries they like are ripe and easy to get to along the trail. They don't like fighting through heavy brush any more than you do. In black bear country, be loud, and keep your dog close on leash.