Yes, Oklahoma Has Bears! Here’s How To Stay Safe This Summer

We've "bear-ly" made it into the summer in Oklahoma and we're already looking out for one of the largest predators that call this state home: bears. Granted, there are only a select few areas in Oklahoma that bears are found, but these are also popular areas for camping, vacationing and family getaways.

Since the bears in Oklahoma can be pretty active around people, it's good practice to be aware of what to expect. Since June and July are breeding seasons for bears in Oklahoma, the chances of meeting one while out in the wilderness are a little higher - especially at night.

Luckily, Oklahoma's bears are not generally known for being aggressive or causing harm. Here are some general guidelines from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) to stay safe this summer, either by avoiding attracting bears or knowing how to react if you encounter one.

Bears in Oklahoma usually spotted in panhandle & far eastern border.

Despite the fact that Oklahoma hadn't had black bears in some time, reports showed about 26 black bears re-entering the panhandle of Oklahoma and calling the area home.

During this time of year, bears are getting out and venturing a little more for a variety of reasons. According to the ODWC, bears are traveling more throughout Oklahoma because:

• Yearlings, about the size of a medium-sized dogs, are moving out of the den.
• Adult males begin traveling to look for a mate.
• Nursing moms start to venture further form their den to find food.

They included a map of the most popular areas that bears are found and areas that they've been seen before. Notably, they're typically found in the far southeastern corner of the state and in the panhandle. According to the ODWC, they've been spotted in Ada, Grove, Wewoka and Wayne.

Lock up cars, pick up and put away trash and keep your camp/area scent-free to avoid attracting bears.

Since most folks in Oklahoma are traveling with families and spending more time outdoors, experts shared safety tips for families while out camping via Facebook.

"Bears follow their noses," they wrote. "Store food, trash, scented toiletries and any clothes [you] wore to clean fish in a secured container properly hung from a tree."

To find out more about Oklahoma's bear population and areas they've been seen frequently, learn more throught the ODWC website here.

In the case that you encounter a bear in Oklahoma, take note of a few important reactions:

• Do not turn and run, as that might elicit a chase response in the bear.
• Stand and face the bear, holding out your arms or jacket to appear as large as possible.
• Try to retreat slowly, but don't turn your back on the bear or block the bear’s escape route.
• If you cannot leave the area, make loud noises that could make the bear flee, such as yelling or banging on pots or pans.

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