Wildlife in the backyard is remarkably common. Most likely there are no black bears, Ursus americanus, in the typical suburban backyard but sightings are becoming common even in areas with a high density of humans. In June 2014 a young black bear created a stir by visiting the suburban campus of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

 

With resident populations in at least 40 of the 50 states* sightings are not unusual. In the Maryland counties around Montgomery, home of NIH, are approximately 600 bears. 

 

* Hawaii has 0 bears!

 

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