Georgia
How likely are you to see a bear in Georgia?
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.
Gulfstream recently announced a $5 million investment in Georgia education, welcoming students and leaders to its Savannah headquarters.
ATHENS, Ga. – Designated hitter Daniel Jackson and centerfielder Rylan Lujo combined for nine RBI Sunday, leading fifth-ranked Georgia to a 12-1 win over LSU at Foley Field.
Georgia improved to 41-11 overall, 21-6 in the SEC, while LSU dropped to 29-24 overall and 9-18 in conference play.
The Tigers return to action at 6:30 p.m. CT Thursday when they play host to Florida in Game 1 of a three-game SEC series in Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field. Thursday’s game will be broadcast on the LSU Sports Radio Network and streamed on SEC Network +.
“Georgia won the moments in this series,” said LSU coach Jay Johnson. “They’re going to score, so you’ve got to capitalize against them when you have scoring opportunities on offense.”
Georgia starting pitcher Caden Aoki (8-0) was the winner, limiting LSU to one run on four hits in 5.0 innings with two walks and seven strikeouts.
LSU right-hander Casan Evans (2-3), making his first appearance since April 17 versus Texas A&M, started the game Sunday and was charged with the loss, working 1.2 innings and allowing four runs on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
“I thought Casan’s stuff looked great, and that’s good for him from a health standpoint,” Johnson said. “He’s a guy that the more he pitches, the better he is, so there might have been a little bit of rust, but I thought he competed fine.”
Georgia struck for four runs in the bottom of the second inning in an outburst highlighted by Jackson’s two-out, two-run single and an RBI single by second baseman Ryan Black.
The Tigers narrowed the gap to 4-1 in the third when designated hitter Omar Serna Jr. delivered an RBI single.
Georgia extended its lead to 7-1 in the fourth as Jackson launched a two-run homer and centerfielder Lujo lined a run-scoring single.
Lujo unloaded a grand slam in the fifth, giving the Bulldogs an 11-1 advantage.
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