Black bears are moving through downtown Greenville more than ever. Here’s why, biologists say

As Upstate South Carolina has developed so has an increasing number of interactions between residents and black bears.

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Tammy Waldrop, a black bear biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, said multiple bears live in the urban areas of Greenville including a few downtown.

“There have been sightings every day in Greenville in different parts of the city,” she said.

But when one shows up in the affluent Parkins Mill neighborhood a short hop from downtown, well, that merits some attention.

Greenville city officials put out a statement this week advising people that a code enforcement officer came upon one running down the street near Vintage Avenue.

The officer was able to snap a photo that has gotten quite a lot of response on Facebook, both from people who say they throw out table scraps for animals and those bemoaning the practice.

Still others said simply, “Where else are they to go?”

“We’re taking away their habitat,” a woman posted. “They’re lost. Don’t blame them, don’t punish them. Re-home them to a more friendly habitat.”

Another person saw a bear on their Ring camera on Lanneau Drive, about four miles from the first sighting.

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Waldrop said bears travel through Greenville along the major creeks, rivers and tributaries — the Reedy, Enoree, Saluda, Tiger and their tributaries.

“With new developments everywhere, people and bears are encountering each other much more frequently,” she said.

In June, DNR recorded over 120 reports and in May 75.

The June number is higher than normal and may be a result of the heat and early spring drought that delayed ripening blackberries until just recently, she said.

“It is also the breeding season of bears and they are moving around more,” Waldrop said. “It looks like this hot summer weather will result in increased sightings and reports this year in the Upstate,” she said.

The reasons for the sightings, in addition to development, are not only the increasing bear population but also improved technology such as security cameras.

“The key is not to panic but to become educated,” Waldrop said.

The way to keep bears out of your yard is pretty simple — don’t put food out. Sorry to birders, that includes bird feed.

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Here are some tips from

• Never approach a bear.
• Secure garbage.
• Don’t leave pet food outside.
• Clean and store grills, smokers and other outdoor cooking equipment after use.
• Bears are also attracted to bee hives and compost piles.

Here’s what DNR wants you to know if you encounter a bear:

• When a bear stands on its hind legs, it is trying to get a better view, not threaten you.
• A bear may huff, snap its jaws and swat the ground, signaling they’re uncomfortable and you are too close. Slowly back away. Do not run.
• Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when they are cornered, feel threatened, or when they are attempting to steal food. Stand your ground and then slowly back away.
• Contrary to popular belief, female black bears typically do not aggressively defend cubs against humans.
• Black bears are not generally aggressive, even when confronted by humans. However, they are large, powerful, wild animals that need to be respected.
• No injuries or deaths have been attributed to black bears in South Carolina, but about 35 bears are killed by vehicles annually in the state, the majority in Horry County, DNR said.