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Black bear spotted twice at Girl Scout camp

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By Staff report Updated 4:42 PM Thursday, June 18, 2009

A black bear roaming Warren County for more than a week was most recently spotted at a Girl Scout camp in Maineville and may be heading south.

The bear was seen Tuesday and Wednesday at Camp Butterworth. There are Girl Scouts staying at the camp, and a memo was sent to their parents.

The memo, from CEO Barbara Bonifas, says that upon seeing the bear, the camp ranger immediately contacted the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, who sent a Hamilton Twp. police officer to the camp. The officer talked to the scouts, informing them that black bears are generally not aggressive and that they must get rid of any food items that might be attracting the bear.

The girls were relocated to more secure lodges to sleep Tuesday night, and they were kept in large groups during activities.

Police and ODNR are continuing to monitor the camp to ensure the girls’ safety.

“Our primary concern is always the health and safety of the girls we serve,” Bonifas said.

The bear has been seen about 12 times since May 22, according to ODNR, ranging from locations in Adams County to local places like Caesar Creek, Waynesville and Clearcreek Twp.

Kathy Garza-Behr, spokeswoman for ODNR said it was “not surprising” the bear was spotted in the area of Camp Butterworth.

“Most likely, he has gotten in the river corridor and is following it back south,” Garza-Behr said.

She said ODNR officials were fairly certain this was the same bear spotted last week due to similarities in the description and lack of multiple sightings.

She said ODNR is allowing the bear to move through the area without interference.

Garza-Behr said that bear sightings are common in southeastern Ohio and neighboring states of West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. Bears rarely move into Southwest Ohio because of lack of space.

She advised residents to keep bird feeders up and pet food inside. Also, if you have a cookout, clean the grill or move it indoors as the smell could attract the bear. Bears mainly move in the twilight hours.

Garza-Behr said black bears pose little threat to humans. If a black bear is encountered, Garza-Behr said the best course of action is to stand still and let the bear pass. If you do feel threatened, making a loud noise will startle the bear and cause them to run away.

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