Ah, it’s that time of year again; just as we humans are beginning to get out and enjoy the springtime weather, so too are the black bears in Deep Creek! Wildlife is a natural part of your stay here, so you’ll likely encounter some sort of animal on your trip, even if it isn’t a black bear.
While black bears are one of our favorite local icons, it’s important to remember that they are still wild animals. Some need-to-know basic ground rules are helpful when dealing with our fuzzy friends. In this piece, we’ll cover how to prevent bear sightings, what to do if you see a bear, and some more general facts about the animals so you can understand them better.
Keep the Bears Away!
The best way to practice bear safety is to make sure they don’t get close to you in the first place. These are some basic practices we can all follow to keep ourselves and our four-legged friends safe:
Always Use Bear-Proof Trash Containers
With natural food sources on the scarcer side during early spring, black bears are much more likely to look for other sources of food. All vacation homes in the lake area are equipped with bear-proof trash containers to help keep your trash in and the bears out.
Clean Your Grills/Fire-Pits
What could be better than a summer barbecue? Folks start firing up those grills and fire-pits as spring and summer approach, and Deep Creek is the perfect place for a barbecue with friends and family! Make sure to clean up properly after your meals, though.
While the scent of your food on the grill will most likely not attract a bear immediately, if you don’t clean your grill or pick up all of your food, the lingering smells can attract them. The last thing you want is a yard full of trash or a ruined grill!
Help Us Keep Them Wild
By making sure your trash is secured and the bears aren’t eating unnatural food sources, our black bear population can remain happy and wild. We live in a beautiful area filled with a diverse ecosystem, and our furry black bear friends are part of it. Let’s keep it that way!
Are There Black Bears in Maryland?
Yes, they are common in the springtime! Black bears are naturally shy and mild-mannered, so you shouldn’t worry when you’re out hiking and enjoying nature. More often than not, you’ll just catch a glimpse as they run away.
Bear sightings are most common in our area from April to November, and if you happen to see a bear during your visit, it’s a very neat experience that you’ll remember for a while! Even if you’ve seen them several times, seeing these majestic creatures in person is still special.
Are Black Bears Dangerous?
Generally, no. Black bears want to lead a peaceful existence; when they’re out foraging for food, they’re not foraging for you. However, it is important to remember that they are wild animals. Never provoke a bear, and definitely don’t try to pet one. They may look friendly, but at the end of the day, they’re not domesticated pets. You don’t want to see what they’re capable of when they do want to be dangerous!
What to Do if You See a Bear While You’re Here:
Keep your distance! Bears look cute, but please take our word for it: they’re cutest from far away. Never feed a bear, and do your best to create distance if you see one up close. Back away slowly and take shelter inside, if possible. If you’re at your Railey Vacations rental, head inside and wait for the bear to leave. Often, they’re just passing through and will be gone before you know it.
If a nearby bear woofs, snaps its jaws, slaps the ground or brush, or bluff charges, you are much too close. Try not to panic! The best thing you can do if a bear is close to you is make a lot of noise. You can scare the bear away by yelling, making loud noises, or banging pans. Don’t let your pets interact with the bear, as that could make things much worse!
Since the bears in Deep Creek see people more often than those in more remote areas, they’re less afraid of noises and people. Due to this, they may not always run away when they see or smell you! We can’t iterate enough, though, that just because they seem friendly doesn’t mean we can all be friends.
What Times of Year Are Bears More Active in Maryland?
Black bears become more active during the springtime and stay out until they begin hibernating closer to winter. This means that most sightings occur from April to November!
Are Black Bears Nocturnal?
No, black bears are not nocturnal. If you see one during the daytime, there’s no cause for concern! It’s normal for them to be active throughout the day and sometimes at night. Right before their hibernation period, they can spend up to 20 hours a day foraging for food!
Book Your Deep Creek Stay Directly with Railey Vacations!
Railey Deep Creek Vacation Rental: 2 Bed, 1 Bath Grizzly Den
Whether you’re on a mission to see local wildlife or running into a black bear is an unexpected part of your journey, we hope you’ll follow our instructions to stay safe during your stay. As long as you follow our tips and tricks, you have nothing to be afraid of!
Beyond the bear sightings, there’s plenty to explore here in Deep Creek. As we head into spring and summer, there are many exciting activities to partake in, from boating on the lake to local carnivals and art shows. You and your family will have a blast on your vacation!
When it comes to booking your accommodations, choose only the best when you stay with Railey Vacations. We offer short summer stays for folks just wanting to get away and out of the city for a few days, and we have all kinds of homes available. Enjoy the scenic water views when you stay in a Deep Creek lakefront rental, or check out our pet-friendly rentals so you can bring your four-legged friends along on your trip!
No matter which rental home you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time in Deep Creek when you book your stay with Railey Vacations. Browse our available Deep Creek vacation rentals now and book your next trip directly with us!
