Bear-human interactions have been increasing in recent years and currently represent either the first or second most frequently reported conflict on the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline.
In several parts of the state, bear numbers appear to have increased noticeably over the last decade, but current estimates of the true bear population status are not as reliable and wildlife biologists would like.
In an effort to get a better picture of the bear population statewide, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has begun an expanded effort to assess population numbers and is asking for the public’s assistance by participating in the collection of data on bear sightings/observations.
As a subset of this effort, DWR also hopes to develop a more accurate estimate of the location and extent of the occurrence of sarcoptic mange in our Virginia black bear population. Sarcoptic mange has been confirmed primarily in the northwestern part of the state (including Rockbridge County) but is suspected of spreading elsewhere in the state.
Interested citizens are invited to participate in this survey project. Virginia residents can participate in the survey by accessing the bear sighting reporting form and completing a report of observations according to the survey guidelines. A copy of the reporting form and the guidelines for reporting your sighting is available at the www.rockbridge.ext.vt.edu.
With the form, participants will find guidelines for what constitutes a sighting and how to minimize reporting of the same bear multiple times. Bears observed during organized active hunts or trailing with hounds should not be reported. Additionally, there is a place on the form to indicate if there is a reasonable suspicion of the bear showing signs of sarcoptic mange. A pamphlet with photos showing how to identify mange in bears is at the same Rockbridge Extension website. Again, to be useful, bear sightings for this survey must be reported using DWR’s standardized reporting protocol and form. The survey period is currently planned to extend until Oct. 31, 2025.
For more information or questions about the survey you can contact Katie Martin, deer-bear-turkey biologist ([email protected]. gov) or Carl Tugend, bear project lead ([email protected]). For more general information about black bears and other Virginia wildlife, go online to dwr.virginia.gov and click on “Wildlife and Habitat.”
