News Summary
A black bear was seen leisurely swimming in Lake Greenwood, South Carolina, capturing the attention of residents and onlookers. Local biologist Tammy Waldrop noted that bear sightings are common in the area, especially during summer months. Residents are advised to take precautions to minimize contact with bears as food becomes scarce in their natural habitats. This sighting serves as a reminder of the wildlife that shares the region, emphasizing the need for understanding and respect towards these animals.
Lake Greenwood, South Carolina – A black bear was spotted swimming in Lake Greenwood near Harris Landing on June 21, 2025, coinciding with the first official day of summer. The sighting captured the attention of boaters and onlookers as the bear made its way toward the shore.
Sarah Cramer, a local resident from Abbeville, shared a post on social media that showed the bear swimming close to her dock. Cramer was cleaning her mother-in-law’s rental property on Shoreline Drive when she and her children noticed the bear in the water, expressing excitement about the unexpected encounter. The sighting brought a mix of awe and curiosity among those who witnessed the bear’s leisurely swim.
According to Tammy Waldrop, a black bear biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR), bear sightings in Greenwood have been reported annually over the past decade. Waldrop noted that black bears are often drawn to specific food sources, including deer corn and other foods that may be easily accessible. These sightings are not isolated, as black bears have been reported as far south as Aiken, typically following river beds that connect their habitats.
The presence of black bears is a common issue in residential areas, especially during warmer months when food becomes scarce in their natural environments. Waldrop likened black bears to “overgrown raccoons,” emphasizing that they seek out human-provided food sources like bird feeders and trash cans rather than approaching humans with aggression. In light of the recent sighting, residents in the area have been encouraged to take precautionary measures, such as removing bird feeders and securing trash cans, to mitigate the chances of attracting bears.
Waldrop further explained that black bears are primarily motivated by the search for food and do not intentionally seek out human interaction. Homeowners concerned about potential encounters with bears are advised to take steps to minimize food availability, as this can help promote peaceful coexistence. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources offers guidance on how residents can live alongside black bears while ensuring safety for both humans and wildlife.
As summer approaches, and families venture outdoors, the recent sighting serves as a reminder that wildlife may be closer than expected. Black bears, particularly in the Greenwood County area, are part of the region’s natural ecosystem. Their presence highlights the importance of understanding and respecting wildlife while taking necessary precautions to enjoy the outdoors safely.
With the growing number of sightings, local authorities and wildlife experts continue to monitor bear activity in the area, emphasizing that understanding bear behavior is crucial for both human safety and wildlife conservation. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local wildlife and how best to prepare for encounters, allowing everyone to enjoy the rich natural landscapes of South Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Black Bear Seen Swimming in Lake Greenwood
- Wikipedia: Black Bear
- Fox Carolina: Safety Alert – Rise in Black Bear Sightings
- Google Search: Black Bear Sightings
- Vancouver Sun: Black Bear Killings Dropped by Half in 2024
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bear
- News 12: Officers Search Greenwood Lake for Shot Bear
- Google Scholar: Black Bear Behavior
Author: HERE Greenwood
The HERE Greenwood Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenwood community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenwood Our team includes lifelong Greenwood residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listing of the historic Grier Building, Greenwood’s railroad and textile heritage, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Piedmont Technical College programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
