By Logan Andrew, Editor-in-Chief | FreeWire — Your News, Your Voice
HARMONY TOWNSHIP, OHIO — It’s not every day you hear “bear sighting” and “Morrow County” in the same sentence — but that’s exactly what the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Tuesday. A black bear was spotted on County Road 20 in Harmony Township, prompting curiosity, concern, and a flood of Facebook comments from surprised locals.
According to the post, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is monitoring the animal. As of now, the bear has caused no issues or interactions with people — and wildlife officials are asking residents to give it space and respect its wandering path.
While it may feel like a freak event, black bear sightings in Ohio are becoming increasingly common. The state’s Division of Wildlife has been tracking a slow but steady return of these native mammals, especially in eastern and southern Ohio. Northeastern and central counties, including Richland, Ashland, Knox, and Morrow, have all reported sporadic sightings over the past decade — usually young males venturing out on their own in search of food, territory, or a mate.
Wait, There Are Bears Here?
Yes, and technically, there always have been. Black bears (Ursus americanus) are Ohio's only bear species and are considered native to the state. While habitat loss and unregulated hunting nearly wiped them out in the 1800s, bear populations have rebounded in neighboring Pennsylvania and West Virginia, where protected forests and better wildlife management have helped them thrive. That’s led to more bears crossing into Ohio — and occasionally wandering into places like Morrow County.
But don’t expect them to stick around.
“These bears are usually just passing through,” said an ODNR spokesperson in a previous report. “We tend to see young males dispersing, and they rarely stay in one area unless they find consistent food sources.”
What Should You Do if You See It?
The best advice: don’t do anything. Keep your distance, don’t feed it, and definitely don’t try to take a selfie.
Instead, call ODNR’s wildlife hotline at 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) to report the sighting. This helps officials track the bear’s movements and ensure public safety without interfering with the animal’s natural behavior.
Residents are also encouraged to:
- Secure trash cans and outdoor food sources
- Take down bird feeders temporarily
- Clean grills and outdoor cooking areas
- Keep pets supervised and inside at night
Bear attacks in Ohio are virtually unheard of. Black bears are generally shy and non-aggressive, and conflicts almost always stem from human actions — particularly food-related ones.
A Sign of a Healthier Ecosystem?
Experts view bear sightings like this one not as a cause for alarm but as a sign that Ohio’s wildlands are recovering. ODNR even lists black bears as a “species of concern,” noting that while their numbers are small, they’re a key part of the state’s ecological heritage.
So if you’re lucky enough to see the bear — from a distance — take a moment to appreciate the rare glimpse of Ohio’s wilder side. Just maybe from your porch. With the door shut.
P.S. Here are some photos of baby black bears that you didn't know you needed.
