WEST UNION, Ohio — The body of a black bear killed on Ohio 32 on Christmas night will be preserved through taxidermy, according to Bill Wickerham of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Using a special hunter’s cart, Larry and Nathan Dailey, from Dailey’s Outfitters in Peebles, removed the bear from the ravine into which it tumbled after being struck by an automobile.
Wickerham said the black bear’s movement through the hilly, forests of eastern Adams County have been observed by trail cams numerous times over the past two years.
Historically, black bears are native to this region, despite having been forced from the territory by changes in their natural habitats brought about by encroaching human populations.
According to Wickerham the black bear species, which was once plentiful across southeastern Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, is making a comeback.
“Black bears were extirpated from southern Ohio back in the 19th century,” he said. “They’re beginning to move back into the area as the local habitat has improved for them.”
According to ODNR, the bear weighed 261 pounds, and was probably not in hibernation due to the region’s unseasonably warm weather.
Catherine Dennison, wildlife biologist with ODNR, said in situations such as this researchers will document various characteristics of the bear’s carcass, such as size, neck width as well as its reproductive history if it is a female. Hair and tissue samples will also be taken from the bear’s body for genetic analysis along with a tooth to determine the bear’s age.
Dennison added that there are currently 14 verified sightings of black bears in Adams County, since ODNR began monitoring their activity in 1993.
Wickerham was quick to point out that the return of bears and other predators to Ohio’s southern forest is a natural occurrence.
“ODNR didn’t reintroduce these animals — though a lot of people think so — it’s really a matter of habitat change,” he said. “Even the coyote, which isn’t considered to be native to Ohio, moved in only after the wolf was driven from the state.”
Do hikers and other locals who enjoy nature walks through Adams County woodlands need to be oncerned about meeting up with black bears in the woods?
“Grizzly bears are a different story, but you don’t need to worry about black bears,” said Wickerham.
“The only real concern is getting between a sow and her cubs– then you’d have a problem, but outside of that — you leave them alone and they’ll leave you alone.”
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Reporter Jonathan Wright also contributed to this story.)
