News Summary
In Greenwood County, reports of black bear sightings have surged, prompting local officials to issue a safety advisory. Residents detail encounters with bears in neighborhoods and around Lake Greenwood, indicating a link to urban development and a growing bear population. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources advises residents on safety measures, urging them to secure food sources that attract bears. The presence of black bears poses safety concerns for the community, with authorities monitoring the situation closely to prevent potential conflicts.
Greenwood, SC — Increased sightings of black bears in Greenwood County have prompted local authorities to issue a safety advisory. Residents have reported multiple encounters with bears in neighborhoods and near Lake Greenwood, indicating a potential rise in bear activity in the area. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) suggests that these sightings may correlate with urban development and an expanding bear population.
On June 21, 2025, a resident named Kevin Wisham spotted a black bear in his neighbor’s yard in the Beech Run subdivision. Following this encounter, another resident, Scott Armstrong, reported seeing a black bear on June 22 while he was refilling his bird feeders at the Barrington Apartments. In addition to these recent sightings, Brandy and Travis Poore have experienced multiple bear visits to their yard this summer. These encounters illustrate a pattern of bear activity that has concerned many residents.
The SCDNR recognizes that while black bear sightings are not common in the Upstate region, it is not unusual to see bears in residential areas, particularly in the Greenwood and Abbeville regions. According to regional coordinator Pat Cloninger, several factors contribute to increased bear sightings, including urban expansion and the availability of food sources that attract bears to neighborhoods.
Bears are typically drawn to easy food sources, including bird feeders, garbage, and deer corn. Residents are advised to take measures to deter bears by removing these easy access points for scavenging. In light of several encounters, including one with a tagged bear believed to have originated in North Carolina, the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office is collaborating with SCDNR for safe relocation of the bears. Residents are urged not to approach or provoke these animals, as encounters can lead to dangerous situations.
Interestingly, a recent report indicated a bear was spotted swimming near Harris Landing on Lake Greenwood, drawing attention from families and boaters in the area. This incident, along with the rising number of bear encounters, underscores the need for awareness and caution among local residents. SCDNR biologist Tammy Waldrop stated that while bears are typically not aggressive toward humans, they are motivated by food, necessitating a careful approach to shared spaces.
Recent preliminary data shows an increasing trend in black bear sightings in Greenwood County over the years. As the bear population grows, so does the likelihood of encounters between bears and humans. Residents are encouraged to secure their trash cans, remove bird feeders, and take preventative measures to minimize the chances of attracting bears to their properties.
The presence of black bears in residential areas poses important safety considerations for Greenwood County residents. Local authorities, in collaboration with the SCDNR, continue to monitor bear activity and provide assistance to ensure the safety of the community and avoid any potential conflicts with wildlife.
In summary, the rise in black bear sightings in Greenwood County calls for increased vigilance among residents. By understanding bear behavior and implementing proper safety measures, the community can work towards coexisting safely with these wild animals.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenwood County Residents Urged to Report Bear Sightings
Increase in Black Bear Sightings in Greenwood County
Black Bear Spotted Swimming in Lake Greenwood
Additional Resources
- WSPA: Bear Sighted in Greenwood County
- Wikipedia: Black Bear
- Index Journal: Black Bear Seen Swimming in Lake Greenwood
- Google Search: Black Bear Encounters
- News 12: Officers Search Greenwood Lake for Bear
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Black Bear
- Index Journal: Bear Sightings Catch Residents Off Guard
- Google News: Bears in Greenwood County
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.
