Bears are denning and here’s what to do when you encounter one

RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) - Bears across North Carolina are beginning to hibernate in their dens for the winter.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) says dens are the black bears' “winter homes,” which could be anything from a pile of brush, a hollowed-out tree, a rock cavity, under the deck or in the crawl space of a home.

“Bears choose to den in many different types of areas, from a remote wooded location to your neighborhood and community. Humans may encounter a bear den while hiking along a trail, walking a dog in a neighborhood or hunting,” said the NCWRC in an announcement.

If you do encounter a bear’s den, the NCWRC says to remain calm and leave the area quickly and quietly. They urge residents to try and stay away from the den area for the rest of the winter season.

“Over the last decade, we have had both an increasing human population and bear population, resulting in an uptick in bears denning under houses and decks, as well as unleashed dogs disturbing bears in dens,” said Colleen Olfenbuttel, NCWRC’s bear expert.

NCWRC says if a bear den is discovered in a populated area, leave it alone.

“Homeowners can safely coexist with denning bears until they leave in the spring,” says Olfenbuttel. “Bears are only interested in getting their winter rest or, if it’s a female, caring for her cubs. Denning bears are not interested in engaging with people as long as people leave the bear den alone.”

Disturbing the den may cause the bear to leave permanently. A female bear could orphan her cubs if humans do not leave the area immediately.

NCWRC says denning season lasts until April.

“In spring, once bears have left their den and become more active, home and business owners should evaluate their property, as bears search for potential den sites from spring through fall,” said the NCWRC.

If you are concerned about how close a den is to your property, call the N.C. wildlife helpline at 866-318-2401, or contact your local district wildlife biologist.