News Releases

Bear Sightings in Montgomery County

For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 20, 2013

On June 18 at approximately 8:12 a.m., the Emergency Communications Center received calls for a black bear in the area of Middlebrook Road and Frederick Road in Germantown.  On June 19 at approximately 7:15 a.m., the Communications Center received calls for a black bear in the area of Quince Orchard Road and Darnestown Road in Gaithersburg.  Today, at approximately 7:54 a.m., the Communications Center received calls for a bear in the area of Twelve Oaks Drive and Clopper Road in Gaithersburg.

The Montgomery County Police Department and Gaithersburg Police Department have consulted with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) about these bear sightings and have been advised by DNR that bear sightings in suburban areas are not uncommon during this time of year.  DNR advises that black bears may be seen at any time of the day and are typically not aggressive.   Police officers have been advised to give the bears space if the bears are not being aggressive.

Below is a press release issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources regarding these black bear sightings.  The release includes the following tips on what to do if one sees a bear:

• If faced with a bear, give it space and ensure it has an escape route, do not approach or allow it to be surrounded or cornered - much like you would a stray dog.
• Do not feed it, and remove any food sources. Trash, birdfeeders and grills often lure bears into residential areas. If a bear is reported in your region, be sure to store these items in a secure place like a garage or a shed.
• Scare bears away by making noise (e.g. shouting, banging pots and pans, using air horns or whistles, etc.).

For more information on suburban bear sightings, please read DNR's complete press release (click here).  It provides additional information and useful links on the topic.

RLI

(DNR release also posted here)

Issued by: Maryland Department of Natural Resources -

Suburban Bear Sightings More Common in Summer

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Release ID: 13-212
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: press-releases