Although rare in Aiken, bears may still appear

The South Carolina General Assembly passed a law upping the number of black bears that hunting parties can kill from three to five, but don't grab your rifles and form a hunting group here in Aiken County just yet.

Bear hunting is only allowed in three counties which are considered to have large bear populations: Pickens, Greenville and Oconee, according to Tom Swayngham with the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The bear hunting season is only in October. A large increase in the bear population would have to occur to force the department to issue an official hunting season to make it legal statewide.

"We are going to have to have a good, biological explanation to allow a hunting season of bears," said Swayngham.

Swayngham said that an estimate of 20 bears may be located in Aiken County. Most of black bears are located in the foothills and mountainous areas of the state.

"What you are likely to find in Aiken County is an animal passing through," he added.

The last reported bear sighting was in Aiken near Powderhouse Road in November, and reports have suggested that bear sightings near Aiken have declined in recent years.

According to Bobby Arthurs with Aiken County Animal Control, bear sightings in this area are very rare.

"This year, so far, we haven't had any reports of bear sightings," he said. "It's very rare to have a bear in the Aiken area."

Arthurs compared the peculiarity of seeing a bear in this area to seeing a raccoon, usually a nocturnal creature, out in the middle of the day.

Arthurs added that any bears that are spotted here most likely migrated to this area in search of food due to the recent drought conditions. A large part of a bear's diet is berries and a variety of plants.

"It's wildlife; it's not impossible. The mountains are not that far from here, and they could make their way down here," Arthurs said.

To avoid attracting any of the few bears that may be lurking around the county, Swayngham said to keep anything edible out of their reach, including pet food and bird feed.

Bears are particularly enjoy sunflower seeds that is usually found in bird food, he said.

He also suggests securing outdoor trash cans and keeping grills clean to prevent odors from attracting bears into yards and neighborhoods. According to the DNR, bears have a very keen sense of smell.

Arthurs said if you see a bear, don't go near it. According to the DNR website, if you approach a bear, move away slowly, and it will most likely run off.

Contact Amy Banton at abanton@aikenstandard.com.