A bear spotted in Obetz last weekend marks Franklin County's first confirmed bear sighting since 2004. Here's what to know in the coming days.
A black bear was spotted June 24 near Three Creeks Metro Park, marking the first confirmed bear sighting in Franklin County since 2004.
Bear sightings are extremely rare in central Ohio, according to the ODNR. This is only the second confirmed sighting in Franklin County in 20 years. Neighboring Fairfield County saw confirmed bear sightings in 2018, 2019 and 2022, while Delaware County reported one in 2020. Black bears are considered to be a state endangered species, and are typically only seen in the more forested northeast and southeast parts of the state. Bears spotted in central Ohio often don't stay for long, since this part of the state isn't the most ideal bear habitat.
However, Schott said Columbus-area residents, particularly those on the east side of the city, should keep their eyes peeled for this bear in the coming days. As it begins to travel back toward the more forested southern and eastern parts of the state, the bear could be on the lookout for food sources.
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