See Photos of Black Bear Spotted in Colesville
A black bear was seen Monday in the Colesville area of Montgomery County.
While spotting a black bear in the county is rare, this resident got a close look. Sightings mostly occur in June and July when young, male bears are traveling to find their own homes. They usually don’t stay, and find homes in western Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, according to Montgomery Parks.
Residents can report bear emergencies to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 410-260-8888.
Parks reminds residents that if you see a black bear, back away slowly and keep dogs leashed while taking them with you. Do not go closer to the bear and make sure it has room to leave. If it climbs a tree, leave and the bear will move when it comes down.
Photo credit: Audrey Ewin
Oh my goodness, almost wish it were my back yard. we have heard that bears have been seen in this area before. Have lived in Peach Orchard Heights for over 45 years. I have yet to see one. Only lots of deer. LOL
That is an unusual marking on the bear’s chest. It looks more like and Asian Black Bear, or “Moon” Bear, than a North American Black Bear.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_black_bear
Are we sure that is a native black bear? The white ‘V’ on it’s chest is unusual.
Thx
This is an Asian Sun bear, not a black bear. So it has either been photoshopped or this is an escapee from a zoo.
To everyone surprised by the white markings, this is not unusual in our native American Black Bears. They come in different colors from brown to black, with no markings to very visible markings. Here are a few examples all on one website from the Museum or Life and Science in Durham, NC.
http://www.natureblog.org/an-identification-guide-to-the-bears-at-the-museum-of-life-and-science/
according to americanbear.org: “The most obvious difference between the two species is the chest blaze. This feature is found in about 25% of American black bears, and can vary in size and shape. In contrast, nearly all Asiatic black bears have cream-colored chest blazes in a crescent shape, giving the species its other common name: “moon bear.”
It is not at all uncommon for black bears to have patches of white. You all sound ridiculous.
Some people just don’t know as much about bears as others but it’s not ridiculous, they are just not knowledgeable. Thanks for the correction/ additional information but please don’t try to make others feel ridiculed; let’s show each other respect and kindness. Thanks.
Interesting and creative post with good pictures..Thank you for sharing