Since the mid 19th Century, Ohio has been a relatively bear-free state. Humans drove out the black bears 150 or so years ago, and they’ve been considered rare and an endangered species here ever since.

That might be changing, however, as researchers are beginning to see black bears naturally expand their range back into our state. Recently, a female black bear was captured and fitted with a GPS collar in Ashtabula County. It will be the first time such study is possible for a female, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

“Researchers using the location information can also learn about a bear’s home range size and space requirements, survival rates and their reproductive status, including litter size and frequency of reproduction,” ODNR said. “The collar is programmed to fall off the bear before its battery dies, typically after about 18 months.”

Until now most of the black bears seen in Ohio have been males who have wandered into the eastern part of the state via Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Some arBut with the presence of females here, those males are more likely to make Ohio their home turf and the resident population should continue to grow.

That is good news (as long as Ohioans aren’t as irresponsible about their relationship with the bears as they were last time around). It is an indication something about our state is appealing again to these animals.

In fact, we are seeing more frequent reports of other plant and animal species returning to Ohio after decades or even centuries away. That means however much work there is left to do in protecting and preserving our environment, we must be getting some things right. Wildlife officials can take heart, and use the news as inspiration to continue their good work.

To make sure we continue in that direction, ODNR wants the public to report sightings of gray fox, badger, weasel and bobcat, too.

(No word on what we should do if we spot a Wolverine!)

— Morning Journal of Lisbon, Ohio