Black Bears in Ohio – Sam Boak Warns Customers not to Underestimate Nature
Nature always finds a way, and sometimes that means seeing uncommon animals right in our back yard! One of those animals lately has been black bears, primarily in the Salem, Ohio area. Since Salem is one of our popular service areas, Sam Boak wanted to make sure all his customers play it safe and keep an eye out for the bear and remember that black bears are more common than some may realize.
Black bears are more commonly found in southern Ohio, but with plenty of woods and places to hide in Northeast Ohio and even into Pennsylvania, they often make their way into our region. Bears will especially be interested in your garbage cans, grills, compost piles, or anywhere else there may be food left out. This can be a potential hazard to your home! Bears are smart, and when they want something, they’ll figure out how to get it. Black bears have been known to open doors, destroy trash cans, knock over grills and create pretty significant messes.
Another problem this can create is potential damage to your home. If you have a grill, trash can or even bird feeders close to your house, the bear won’t hesitate to damage your residential siding to get to their next meal! This can also put your residential gutters and downspouts at risk. Black bears are incredibly strong and can flip large boulders over as quick as we can pick up a piece of paper. Just imagine what those huge paws can do to your home’s residential gutters or siding!
Just because a bear was seen in Salem, Ohio doesn’t mean they won’t be seen elsewhere, too. Sam Boak puts safety first, always. If you see a bear, stay inside. If you’re outdoors and come face to face with one, stand and face it, don’t run away or turn your back. Black bears are more timid than other bears and are more likely to run away if they feel threatened! Make yourself as big as possible by spreading out your shirt or jacket. You also need to make as much noise as possible by yelling or using whatever objects you have. This will very likely scare the bear away!
Lastly, it’s okay to see black bears in the woods or in unpopulated areas. Remember, this is their home too. However, if you do see one roaming around a residential neighborhood or you see them in your backyard, call your local police department or your state Department of Natural Resources.
If a bear does happen to damage your residential siding or gutters, give our experts here at Boak & Sons a call! Our crews can schedule siding repairs and gutter replacements to make sure your home is good as new. Schedule your free estimate by calling 330-793-5646 or fill out the form on our website at www.boakandsons.com/contact.
