June 26, 2025

Greenwood County Residents Urged to Report Bear Sightings

News Summary

An increase in black bear sightings in Greenwood County, S.C. has led local authorities to issue safety advisories. Although the bear is not displaying aggressive behavior, residents are encouraged to secure trash and bird feeders to prevent attractants. Collaboration between the sheriff’s office, local Animal Control, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources aims to ensure safe relocation of the animal. Residents are reminded to report any bear encounters to ensure public safety.

Greenwood County Public Advised on Black Bear Sightings

Greenwood County, S.C. has experienced an increase in black bear sightings, prompting safety advisories and collaboration among local authorities for the animal’s safe relocation. The Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office reported that the bear was last spotted in the parking lot of MIGs pizza on SC-72, raising concerns for local residents.

Currently, the bear is not exhibiting aggressive behavior towards people; however, officials urge residents to refrain from approaching or provoking the animal. Animal control deputies are working closely with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local Animal Control to ensure the bear is relocated safely without causing harm to the animal or community.

Residents are advised to take precautions, including securing outdoor trash cans and bird feeders, as these items can attract bears. The sheriff’s office emphasized the importance of making environments less appealing to bears in order to reduce sightings and potential encounters.

Increased Bear Activity

According to DNR officials, bear sightings in Greenwood have become more frequent. Notably, there has been a report of a bear swimming in Lake Greenwood, with visuals shared on social media, showing it swimming near Harris Landing, which captivated viewers during the summer solstice.

These sightings are not isolated incidents; over the last decade, black bear encounters have been reported across Greenwood and neighboring areas. The DNR has observed a number of bears with visible ear tags, indicating they are part of ongoing studies examining bear populations and behaviors, particularly in urban settings.

Local Encounters

Several residents have come forward with their experiences of bear encounters. In the Beech Run subdivision, a local witnessed a bear in their neighbor’s yard, causing damage to bird feeders. Another resident reported seeing the bear at the Poore family’s home, where it drank from hummingbird feeders. Scott Armstrong, a nearby resident, also encountered the bear while watering plants, noting it had damaged his bird feeders.

Behavior and Safety

The South Carolina DNR has indicated that black bears, the only bear species native to the state, often display opportunistic feeding behaviors similar to raccoons, particularly when seeking out food sources. Officials advise that removing birdfeeders and other attractants can minimize the likelihood of bears wandering into residential areas.

As the sightings continue, the sheriff’s office remains committed to public safety, reiterating the need for awareness in the community regarding the presence of bears. If residents encounter the bear, they are encouraged to contact local animal control or the DNR directly.

Emergency Contact

For any bear-related emergencies or concerns, the public can utilize the designated hotline at 1-800-922-5431. This feature aims to provide residents with a direct line for addressing bear sightings and ensuring swift action in securing the safety of both the community and wildlife.

As the bear population in urban environments grows, ongoing efforts by the DNR will play a crucial role in studying these animals and creating strategies that benefit both wildlife and residents.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

Author: HERE Greenwood

The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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