NORWICH — With many bear sightings in multiple Chenango County areas, the Black Bear Program, provided by the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), could help residents prepare for a chance encounter.

The program on the biology and management of black bears will be from 6 to 8 p.m., today, May 7, in the CCE building, located at 99 North Broad Street in Norwich.

Broome County CCE Nature Based Educator Tom Tasber will give the presentation with assistance from CCE’s Chenango Agriculture and Natural Resource Educator, and graduate of SUNY-ESF, Rich Taber.

Information on the bear’s natural history and discussing ways to safely co-exist will be shared.

The program is free but pre-registration is accepted. Reservations can be made by calling 607-334-5841, ext 1025 or email rbt44@cornell.edu.

Most people want to see a black bear Taber said, but not so many want them living near their homes. 

He said black bear populations are on the rise and sightings are more frequent now than ever.

The program will be very educational with Tasber’s 39 years experience as a naturalist, including 27-plus years with Broome County Parks and Recreation Department at Finch Hollow and a lifelong passion for wildlife.

He also has 11 years with CCE and a background in Wildlife Biology-Fish and Game Management from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), black bears are rarely seen, yet are valued by outdoor enthusiasts and found in a variety of areas including semi-rural environments, agricultural areas, and occasionally in urban centers.

Most bears weigh between 170 to 300 pounds and eat just about anything, including berries, seeds, corn, honey, pet food and trash.

In most instances, encounters with humans are mostly due to their exploration for food.

Intentional feeding of bears is illegal in New York. Residents are advised to remove bird feeders, and secure trash, to avoid conflicts.

For more information on CCE programs, visit their Facebook page at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County or their website at ccechenango.org.

Additional wildlife and outdoor topics can be found at dec.ny.gov.