SOUTH CAROLINA - South Carolina currently houses approximately 1,100 black bears, though their number still falls short of meeting conservation goals set out by the state.
South Carolina Is Home To Around 1,100 Black Bears
South Carolina is home to some of the largest land mammals in the United States: black bears can reach weights up to 900 pounds! These large creatures boast long, thick fur with dark to black coloring and lack shoulder humps like their larger grizzly cousins; instead, they make excellent climbers and swimmers that thrive in diverse habitats.
Black bears may appear intimidating, but they tend to be shy creatures that shy away from humans unless they perceive a threat or need food. Humans should expect their bear to flee if he sees him approaching, though a bear won't attack unless cornered or protected by an infant animal.
South Carolina does not experience many bear attacks each year. Still, the state does experience an alarming number of bear-human encounters due to unsecured garbage containers being left out for collection by people feeding or attracting bears with food sources like this one.
Sportsmen again set records during South Carolina's two-week bear hunting season in 2022, taking an impressive 174 bears. Surpassing last year?s state record of 169 bears harvested. Most of this harvest occurred in mountain counties such as Pickens, Oconee, and Greenville, where bear hunting is an established pastime.
