02-07-2025
Bear sightings happening in central Kentucky: What to know
BEREA, Ky. (FOX 56) — In just the past week, bears went over the mountains to see what they could see. Whether that be climbing across a fence in Versailles or across the interstate in Berea.
Each year, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife gets hundreds of reports of bear sightings. John Hast, the bear and elk coordinator, said they are most common on the eastern border of the state, yet they may be seen just about anywhere.
'Usually, sometime mid-June through July, August, and September, young male bears will kind of roam out of the mountains and end up in the Bluegrass Region,' Hast said.
He said it's also not uncommon to see them along the Kentucky River, and some of these bears are Kentucky residents, while others are strolling through.
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'A bear in Berea may actually be a resident bear for that area. If you're a couple of counties over, maybe towards Danville or up towards Versailles, we had a report in Versailles last week, those are just young bears that are walking through, trying to find some new territory,' Hast said.
He continued to say the number of sightings in the Bluegrass this summer is about average, but a buzzing insect may have had something to do with their movements.
'I think the cicadas catch had helped a little bit; bears eat cicadas, so it calmed things down for us a little bit,' Hast said.
KFW educates folks on what to do if they encounter a bear, especially those living in mountain areas. More information about bears can be found here.
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Bear sightings happening in central Kentucky: What to know
Most importantly, never approach a bear, and make sure trash is secure so they are not tempted to keep visiting.
Be prepared, not scared.
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