Bear spotted in Berea/Madison County

BEREA, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Residents of Berea are on alert after reports of a bear sighting in the area, prompting warnings from local authorities and the state wildlife department.

The Berea Police Department issued a cautionary notice about a bear that has been spotted recently near popular locations including Tractor Supply and the Berea Walmart. Officers are advising residents to be vigilant and avoid approaching the bear if encountered.

Bear Sightings in Kentucky:

• According to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), black bears are native to Kentucky and have been increasingly sighted across the state in recent years.
• In 2023, there were over 200 confirmed bear sightings reported to KDFWR from various counties, indicating a growing bear population and their expanding range.
• Bears are typically attracted to residential areas by sources of food such as garbage, pet food left outside, and bird feeders.

The state Fish and Wildlife Department has initiated efforts to locate and safely manage the bear spotted in Berea. They advise residents to report any sightings promptly but refrain from approaching or attempting to interact with the bear.

Local authorities emphasize the importance of bear awareness and safety protocols, reminding the community to secure garbage cans, remove potential food sources from outdoor areas, and avoid leaving food unattended that could attract wildlife.

For further updates on the bear sighting in Berea and safety tips, residents can monitor official announcements from the Berea Police Department and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

We will update this story as we learn new details.