FAIRPOINT — A Fairpoint resident took to social media to voice concerns about two black bears reportedly spotted in the area.

“Watch out for two adult bears on the side of the road looking for food,” Mccade Foster Milburn posted on Facebook while giving an address located on New Athens Road.

Several commenters responded with Jordan Castello, founder of and rehabilitation specialist at Feronia Wildlife Rehabilitation Inc. of Bethesda, reminding people to be mindful when passing through the area and not to be a “lookie-loo.”

Sgt. Tom DeVaul, commander of the Belmont County Sheriff’s Department’s Dangerous Wild Animal Response Team, said it is very unlikely that two bears would be running together unless it were a mother and her cub.

Between 1993 and 2022, Belmont County has only had 26 confirmed black bear sightings, making this a very rare event. After a black bear was photographed in the Belmont area in June, DeVaul advised people to appreciate the sight if they have the chance.

“Enjoy the moment, because you don’t see it every day,” DeVaul, commander of the Belmont County Sheriff’s Department’s Dangerous Wild Animal Response Team, said. “… Take a picture if you can.”

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, black bears are usually fearful of people; therefore, bear attacks are a rare occurrence. Bears do not attack or kill children or pets as long as they are given their space and not cornered. The first thing to do when you see a bear is to remain calm, ODNR advises.

Generally, black bears are non-aggressive and prefer to flee from the area as soon as they are aware of your presence. If you encounter a bear, and it is not aware of your presence, ODNR states on its website that you should simply back away from the area slowly. If the bear is aware of your presence and it does not leave the area, avoid direct eye contact with the animal, give the bear an easy escape route, and again, simply back slowly away from the area. Always avoid running or climbing trees, which may provoke a chase.

“Historically, black bears roamed the Buckeye State. Unfortunately, unregulated hunting and habitat loss rendered bears extirpated from Ohio by 1850. Today, Ohio is again home to a small but growing population of black bears. Ohio’s bear population is estimated to be anywhere from 50-100 individual bears. It is important we understand a little about the biology and habits of the black bear if we are to coexist comfortably with this Ohio resident. Black bears are an endangered species in Ohio,” ODNR’s website notes.

If you see a black bear or any wildlife needing to be reported, call ODNR at 800-945-3543.

ODNR does not relocate bears just because one is present in an area. Bears live in Ohio year-round. It states that a bear is only relocated if ODNR deems the bear a threat to public safety, it is in a situation where escape is unlikely or if a sociological conflict is probable.