SC works on plans as bear sightings increase

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) — Wildlife officials in South Carolina are working on a plan to deal with an increase in bear sightings in the state.

The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg reported (http://bit.ly/rcSSqb ) Monday that the Department of Natural Resources reports the bear population in South Carolina is increasing.

Agency officials think there are more than 1,100 bears in South Carolina. Most live in the Upstate. But bears have been found in almost all of South Carolina’s counties.

Spokesman Brett Witt says officials want to maintain the state’s bear population at a level that is compatible with land-use goals and acceptable human contact levels.

Witt says there are no records of bears attacking people in the state, but the animals are wild.

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Information from: The Times & Democrat, http://www.timesanddemocrat.com