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

Increase in Black Bear Sightings in Greenwood County
Black Bear Spotted Swimming in Lake Greenwood
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Additional Resources

• WSPA: Bear Sighted in Greenwood County
• Fox Carolina: Watch Bear Spotted Eating Behind Upstate Car Wash
• Index Journal: Bear Sightings Catch Lakelands Residents Off Guard
• KAKE: Sedgwick County Zoo Names Two New Black Bear Cubs
• Index Journal: Black Bear Seen Swimming in Lake Greenwood
• Wikipedia: Black Bear
• Google Search: Black Bear Sightings
• Google Scholar: Black Bear Behavior
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Black Bear
• Google News: Black Bear Sightings Greenwood

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.