SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — The state of Georgia is home to three geographic areas with black bear populations: the North Georgia Mountains, the Ocmulgee River drainage and the Okefenokee Swamp.

Adult black bears are typically around six feet long, about three feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 300 to 500 pounds. Despite their size, they are generally shy, solitary animals that avoid human interaction.

Sometimes nicknamed “garbage bears” because of their proclivity to rummage through trash, black bears in Georgia are considered relatively harmless. No fatal bear attacks have ever been reported in the Peach State’s history, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Encounters also rarely escalate as long as people give bears space, secure their food and garbage, and keep dogs leashed, officials said.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials reported that bears were once common all over Georgia, but there was a serious population decline in the 18th century due to habitat loss, unrestricted hunting and deterioration of their environment.

Since then, with the help of wildlife management, black bears have recovered to a population of about 5,100, according to DNR research from 2021.

Sightings remain uncommon for most Georgians, but they have begun increasing as populations slowly grow and habitats continue to overlap with expanding neighborhoods.

While unlikely, if you do spot one, give the bear space, appreciate their rich color and move away slowly.

“Seeing a black bear in its natural habitat is a thrill and a privilege, and not something to be feared,” said Adam Hammond, state bear biologist with the Georgia DNR, in a statement on the agency’s website.

Voters in Georgia’s State Senate District 35 headed to the polls Tuesday to select a new state senator, filling the seat left vacant by Democrat Jason Esteves, who is launching a gubernatorial bid. 

The district, which includes portions of south Fulton, Douglasville, and Austell, saw a crowded field of six candidates vying for the seat during a pivotal off-year special election.

The candidates reflected a wide range of professional backgrounds and political priorities, offering voters differing visions for the district’s future from infrastructure upgrades and youth mentorship to policing, small business growth, and affordable housing.

The eventual winner will complete the remainder of Esteves’ term and likely play an influential role in legislative debates around education funding, economic development, voting rights, and criminal justice, issues that dominated this year’s campaigns.

No candidate secured more than 50% of the vote, so Democrats Jaha Howard and Roger Bruce – the top two finishers – will head to a runoff election, which is expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks.

Who was on the ballot

Roger Bruce (D) – A longtime state lawmaker, Bruce represented House District 61 from 2003–2024. He was a central figure in the successful effort to incorporate the City of South Fulton. Bruce has highlighted his legislative record on expanding voting rights, increasing fairness in minority business contracting, and strengthening community development.

Jaha V. Howard (D) – A pediatric dentist and former Cobb County Board of Education member, Howard campaigned on small business support, lowering healthcare barriers, and expanding affordable housing options.

Corenza Morris (I) – A former police officer, Army National Guard veteran, and small business owner, Morris focused his platform on job creation, reducing crime, and expanding family and youth economic opportunities.

Erica-Denise Solomon (D) – A journalist and media professional — and former 11Alive staffer — Solomon’s platform centered on workforce training, infrastructure investments, small business growth, and affordable housing.

Josh Tolbert (R) – An engineer and small business owner, Tolbert emphasized strengthening K–12 education, supporting entrepreneurs, partnering with local charities and churches, and improving housing affordability for working families.

John D. Williams (D) – A community mentor and organizer, Williams prioritized expanding youth programs, addressing voter suppression, improving infrastructure, and deepening trust between law enforcement and neighborhoods through community-based partnerships.

Election results

Democrats Jaha Howard and Roger Bruce were the top two candidates. 

Full precinct-level results for the November 18 special election can be found on the Georgia Secretary of State’s elections portal.

View the complete results here.