A bear and cubs have been spotted in the area of Clubside Drive in Carroll County, the Taneytown Police Department said in an alert online Saturday.
The bears were last seen walking in the woods toward Antrim Boulevard, the department wrote. Anyone who encounters the bears is advised not to approach or engage with them.
“For your safety and theirs, please keep a safe distance, bring pets indoors, and secure trash or food sources out of an abundance of caution,” police said. The department asks anyone who sees the bear and cubs to call 410-751-1150 or 911 immediately.
Though sightings in other areas of the state aren’t uncommon, Maryland’s four westernmost counties, Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick, are home to the state’s breeding population of more than 2,000 black bears, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Bear sightings can become more frequent in October and November as the animals bulk up for hibernation, the department says.
Residents in Baltimore and Howard counties reported sightings of a young black bear earlier this year as the Department of Natural Resources believed it was likely leaving the area it was born and looking for where to spend the rest of its life.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources advises remaining calm and making your presence known when encountering a bear. The department says not to run or approach the bear, and speak in a firm voice while backing away slowly. Also, make sure the bear has an escape route and avoid direct eye contact. If the bear becomes a nuisance, the DNR recommends making noise and using bear spray if needed.
Todd Karpovich contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact Racquel Bazos at rbazos@baltsun.com, 443-813-0770 or on X as @rzbworks.
