Black Bear Sightings Increase in Greenwood County

Article Sponsored by:

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:
Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence
Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?
Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:
May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf
Click the button below to sponsor our articles:
Black bear spotted near residential area in Greenwood County

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

HERE Greenwood
Author: HERE Greenwood

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!
Article Sponsored by:

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:
Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence
Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?
Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:
May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf
Click the button below to sponsor our articles:
Construction Management Software for Contractors in Greenwood, SC

CMiC equips contractors in Greenwood, SC, with an integrated construction management solution that enhances project oversight and financial accuracy. The software provides seamless integration between office and field teams, offering real-time job tracking, resource management, and compliance monitoring. Whether handling commercial or residential projects in Greenwood, CMiC ensures better project efficiency and collaboration.

Learn More about CMiC’s offerings here. 

Stay Connected

More Updates

Severe flash flooding affecting homes and roads in Western Virginia

Severe Flash Flooding Strikes Western Virginia

News Summary Western Virginia faced severe flash flooding as sudden torrential rains caused hazardous conditions, prompting warnings for over 15 million people nationwide. The flooding,

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!