Myrtle Beach Residents Report Increased Bear Sightings Amid Development Growth

Myrtle Beach Residents Spotting Bears More Often

Carolina Forest: Where Development Meets Wildlife

Myrtle Beach is a beautiful spot filled with sun, surf, and apparently some curious black bears! As development in the Carolina Forest area continues to grow, the adorable yet sometimes pesky bears are increasingly making their way into our backyards and neighborhoods. It seems like those big, furry friends are as curious about us as we are about them!

A resident recently shared on Nextdoor about a bear bursting through her backyard, climbing over her fence like it owned the place! She was understandably alarmed but not surprised. It turns out that spotting bears in someone’s yard is becoming a more common tale among Carolina Forest folks. According to Kayla Brantley, the coastal bear biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, these majestic creatures have been significantly affected by the increase of housing and commercial developments in their natural habitats.

Are There Really That Many Bears?

One resident chimed in on social media, declaring that the Carolina Forest area holds the “largest bear population in South Carolina.” Intriguing, right? We looked into it and had a chat with Brantley to clarify that little tidbit. The last comprehensive study regarding the bear population in the area was done back in 2009, so the real numbers are a bit fuzzy. However, she mentioned that while there’s no official count, Carolina Forest does indeed have more bears than many other regions in South Carolina, especially when considering the coastal population from Georgetown and Horry County.

Charles Ruth, another bear expert with the department, has his doubts that the coastal areas are home to more bears than the mountainous regions. Regardless of the official stats, Carolina Forest folks are undeniably seeing more bear activity, with increased sightings making the headlines lately.

Bears on the Move!

As development continues to chew up the land bears once roamed freely, they’re forced to adapt. Brantley noted that a lot of her calls revolve around bears seeking food as they venture into urban settings. “I’ve had an increase in sighting calls, with some bears becoming regular visitors to the same yards. Basically, they’re just looking for food,” she explained.

Summer turned into fall, leading to more bear sightings as these hefty mammals bulk up for winter. Interestingly, black bears in our warmer Myrtle Beach climate don’t truly hibernate the way you might think. Instead, it’s common for pregnant bears to “den up” starting in November with their little ones.

Bear-Proofing Your Yard

If you find yourself hosting a bear in your yard, keep your cool! There are some simple steps to take to avoid attracting these captivating creatures. First and foremost, remove any food items that could lure them in. For at least two weeks, consider storing bird feeders, keeping your garbage cans securely tucked away in the garage, and giving your grill a thorough clean – no residual BBQ smells, please!

When you’re letting your furry friends outside, be sure to check for bears first. The best advice is to report any bear sightings to the SCDNR—it helps keep track of their movements and habits.

Understanding Our Furry Neighbors

While the image of a bear could send chills down your spine, Brantley assures us that these big guys are not usually aggressive. If you do happen to stumble upon one, shouting or making some noise may just spook them back to their woodland homes. However, caution is key—especially if the bear has a cub. Remember, a mama bear is just being a protective parent, so it’s best to give them some space!

In this beautiful city where the beach meets the woods, let’s all work together to coexist with our furry neighbors. Keep those backyards bear-free and enjoy the wonderful wildlife around us!

Author: HERE Myrtle Beach