Bear Sightings in Clemson

The City of Clemson has been made aware of bear sightings in the Old Stone Church area over the past two or three weeks. Residents in the area have made SC Department of Natural Resources aware, and a trap has been set up at Old Stone Church Road and have cautioned that three bears may be in the area. The bear(s) seems to come out most nights, likely due to the lack of rain.

SC DNR suggests keeping all food sources, trash, bird feeders, and any other potential sources of food scents stowed away and out of your yard at all times to deter wildlife, including bears, from venturing into your yards and neighborhoods. Black bears are not generally aggressive even when confronted by humans. However, they are large, powerful, wild animals that need to be respected. If you encounter a bear at close range, DON’T PANIC! Remain standing upright, avoid direct eye contact, back up slowly and speak in a calm, assertive, assuring voice. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving arms, etc. Do not run from the bear or climb a tree.

For more information about black bears, visit https://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/species/bear.html.