A black bear was spotted on Sunday, May 21, 2023 in Jamestown near the elementary school. The KY Dept. of Fish & Wildlife urges residents to be aware of their surroundings and be cautious when outdoors.
A couple of weeks ago, a black bear was spotted near Lake Cumberland State Park.
IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BEAR
Stay calm and remember that most bears do not want to attack you; they usually just want to be left alone. Bears may bluff their way out of an encounter by charging and then turning away at the last second. Bears may also react defensively by yawning, salivating, growling, snapping their jaws, and laying their ears back. Continue to talk to the bear in low tones; this will help you stay calmer, and it won't be threatening to the bear. A scream or sudden movement may trigger an attack.
Do NOT run - Bears can run as fast as a racehorse both uphill and down. Like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals.