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Bear Sighting

Upon sighting a bear, experts say the best thing to do is to remain calm and leave the area to allow the bear to move along on its own. If a bear is encountered at close range, experts offer these safety tips:

  • Do not turn and run, as that might elicit a chase response in the bear.
  • Stand and face the bear, holding out your arms or jacket to appear as large as possible.
  • Try to retreat slowly, but don't turn your back on the bear or block the bear’s escape route.
  • If you cannot leave the area, make loud noises that could make the bear flee, such as yelling or banging on pots or pans.

Finally, anyone whose outdoor activities increase the chances of a bear encounter can carry bear spray with them. In the unlikely event a bear charges to attack, you should aggressively fight back against the bear, according to the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Do not attempt to “play dead” during a black bear attack, the agency says. For more information on how you can live responsibly with bears, visit BearWise.

 

Report a Nuisance Black Bear

Black Bear Project Leader: Wildlife Biologist Matt Hensley (918) 260-3920

 

South East

Wildlife Technician Aaron Dossey: (918)-260-3920

Wildlife Technician Tres Phipps: (918)-527-9921

 

North East

Senior Biologist J.D. Ridge: 918-617-1113

Senior Biologist Curt Allen: 918-260-8959

Wildlife Biologist Colby Farquhar: 918-316-2281

 

Central

Senior Biologist Matt Mattoida: 918-629-4625

Wildlife Biologist John Carter: 405-823-8383

Wildlife Biologist Jay Rouk: 918-759-1816

Wildlife Biologist Cameron Gammill: 405-823-8714

 

Northwest

Senior Biologist Eddie Wilson: 580-334-0343

Wildlife Biologist Wes Storer: 806-339-5175

Regional Supervisor Scott Parry: 580-334-3345

Game Warden Mike Baker: 580-651-9135

 

Southwest

Wildlife Biologist Chris Robinson: 580-595-0347

 

Oklahoma City Metro

Wildlife Biologist Dallas Barber: 405-385-1791

Senior Biologist Jerrod Davis: 405-590-2583

 

Nuisance bears may also be reported to any local Game Warden