News Summary
Recent black bear sightings in Greenwood County have raised concerns among local residents and prompted authorities to issue safety guidelines. Video footage of a bear scavenging for food has circulated, with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources urging residents to secure food sources to avoid attracting these animals. As sightings become more frequent, understanding bear behavior and taking preventive measures is crucial for community safety.
Greenwood, SC – Recent black bear sightings in Greenwood County have prompted local authorities to advise residents to take preventive measures to secure food sources that may attract these animals. Video footage of a bear dining behind a car wash on Laurel Avenue has circulated among residents, sparking increased awareness of the bear population in the area. According to reports, the bear was observed eating what appeared to be a container of applesauce, highlighting its attraction to human food sources.
The Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that this bear and others have mainly been sighted within the city limits of Greenwood. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is actively monitoring the situation, encouraging the public to remain vigilant in light of these increased encounters. Sightings include an incident where a black bear was spotted swimming near Harris Landing on Lake Greenwood, much to the delight of families enjoying a day at the lake.
The phenomenon of increased bear sightings is not unexpected, as DNR biologist Tammy Waldrop has noted that black bear sightings in Greenwood County have been on the rise annually over the past decade. Black bears are opportunistic feeders, often drawn to easy food sources, which can include items such as deer corn, bird feeders, and unsecured trash cans. They typically follow riverbeds and have been tracked as far south as Aiken, SC, emphasizing their presence across the region.
In an effort to manage bear sightings, local authorities have issued guidelines for residents. Residents are urged to take specific precautions, such as removing bird feeders and ensuring that trash is securely sealed. These steps are vital in reducing the likelihood of encounters with bears looking for food. The sheriff’s office has also reported another sighting at a pizza restaurant’s parking lot on SC-72, reiterating the need for public safety and the importance of not approaching a bear if seen.
Officials emphasize that black bears generally are not aggressive. Their primary motivation for entering urban areas is food, rather than seeking interaction with humans. They are more likely to retreat when confronted, as long as humans respect their space. Nevertheless, local residents are encouraged to report any bear sightings promptly to local animal control or the DNR to ensure public safety and the well-being of the bear population.
In summary, the increasing frequency of black bear sightings in Greenwood County highlights the need for community awareness and responsibility. By taking preventive measures to secure food sources and understanding bear behavior, residents can help mitigate potential conflicts with these wildlife in their neighborhoods. The DNR is dedicated to monitoring the situation carefully, ensuring that both residents and bears coexist safely in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WSPA: Bear Sighted in Greenwood County
- Index Journal: Black Bear Seen Swimming in Lake Greenwood
- Fox Carolina: Watch Bear Spotted Eating Behind Upstate Car Wash
- North Jersey: NJ Weekend Wildfires – What You Should Know
- News 12: Officers Search Greenwood Lake for Bear
- Google Search: 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.
