Yes, Bears Prowl Cobb County, So Be Aware and Stay Bear Wise with Avoidance Tips

Film-goers around the world spent more than $87 million in 2023 to see a fictional Georgia black bear in the movie, "Cocaine Bear."

Hungry black bears and their cubs come out of winter dens in the Georgia spring, looking for food. Georgia's DNR offers bear-wise tips.Photo byPhoto by Delaney Van on UnsplashonUnsplash

Meanwhile in Georgia, the state's Department of Natural Resources has issued instructions for Cobb County and state residents to be careful if they spot a black bear nearby -- and it's not because the bear may have snorted cocaine.

April is prime time for Georgia bears, as they emerge from winter dens and beginning foraging for food. Plus, the presence of bear cubs means more hungry mouths to feed -- and a heightened instinct by mother bears to protect their young from any danger.

While the risk of bear encounters is low in Cobb County, bear sightings previously have been caught on video in Marietta in 2022 and in prior years, too. Bears have been reported by hikers and residents in rural West Cobb, including a spotting of a mother and cubs at Leone Price Park.

And according to state wildlife department statistics, two bears -- one male and one female -- were killed on Cobb County roads in 2020.

While most Georgia bears live in the green-highlighted areas, black dots represent reported bear sightings far outside the normal home areasPhoto byGraphic from Georgia Outdoor News

To avoid unwanted contacts and unfortunate incidents, Georgia's DNR recently issued tips for bear encounters. Among the top suggestions:

• Plant gardens and edible landscaping away from homes. The recommendation is at least 50 yards from your home and from wooded areas. You should also pick ripe fruits and vegetables, before bears pick them for you.
• Secure garbage and garbage cans. These are easy targets for hungry bears. Keeping garbage in your garage prevents bears from getting to it. Otherwise, consider methods to make your cans more bear resistant.
• Check out these other tips and resources to become more bear wise.

Movie goers worldwide spent more than $87 million to see a fake Georgia bear in the movie, "Cocaine Bear."Photo byMovie Trailer, YouTube