News Releases

For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 18, 2015

Recently, Damascus area residents have reported multiple sightings of a black bear at locations in and around the Oak Ridge Park. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds residents that sightings in suburban areas are not uncommon this time of year. In early summer, young bears begin to find their territory.

The Montgomery County Police are cautioning residents not to approach or feed bears that they encounter. Furthermore, no one should ever corner a bear, but allow a bear a route of escape or a way out.

For more information or to report a bear sighting, contact DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service at 410-260-8540. After-hour non-emergency sightings, please leave a message; after-hour emergency, 410-260-8888. Residents may still call 9-1-1 if there is an immediate threat due to the bear's behavior.

Please click on the following links to the Maryland State Department of Natural Resources and Montgomery County parks for more guidelines regarding bear encounters:

http://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2013/06/19/suburban-bear-sightings-more-common-in-summer/

http://www.montgomeryparks.org/PPSD/Natural_Resources_Stewardship/Living_with_wildlife/black.bears/black.bears_Index.shtm

Residents are encouraged to follow the Maryland Department of Natural Resources on Twitter @accessDNR.

RLG