ODNR: Despite reports, a bear did not attack a car in Newark

Michaela Sumner, Newark Advocate
·2 min read
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The Ohio Division of Wildlife says there have been no reported bear sightings after Genoa Township police issued a warning claiming a bear broke into a car in Newark recently.

The department subsequently issued a retraction, saying it was simply a reminder to keep car doors locked at night.

Genoa Township police in a Facebook post over the weekend urged residents to lock their car doors after they claimed a bear mauled a car in Newark recently, according to a Central Ohio media outlet.

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The news station on Sunday reported via Facebook post, Genoa Township police encouraged people to lock their vehicle doors and keep valuables out of their cars.

"These folks in Newark left their car unlocked and woke up to a beary interesting surprise!" The department wrote. "Keep your vehicles locked and your valuables in the house you never know who or what might show up!"

In a subsequent Facebook post Sunday afternoon, Genoa Township police said their earlier post about the bear was confirmed as false so they were posting a retraction.

"My reasoning for the post was just a reminder to keep your doors locked at night to help reduce the chance of criminal activity," the post stated. "There was no ill intent. The post has been deleted."

In this Wednesday Aug. 1, 2007 file photo, a black bear walks across the ground in Lyme, N.H.
In this Wednesday Aug. 1, 2007 file photo, a black bear walks across the ground in Lyme, N.H.

According to Licking County Wildlife Officer Antoinette Freet, their office has had no reports of bear sightings in the area.

"It's kind of unlikely there would be (a bear) and not get a bunch of calls," Freet said.

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website, 191 sightings were reported in 45 counties in 2018. The agency said it's believed the majority of bears seen in Ohio are young male bears dispersing from Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

To report a black bear sighting, call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit the Ohio Division of Wildlife website.

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Bear attack in Ohio didn't happen says ODNR