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Bear Sighting

Upon sighting a bear, experts say the best thing to do is to remain calm and leave the area to allow the bear to move along on its own. If a bear is encountered at close range, experts offer these safety tips:

  • Do not turn and run, as that might trigger a chase response in the bear.
  • Stand and face the bear, holding out your arms or jacket to appear as large as possible.
  • Try to retreat slowly, but don't turn your back on the bear or block the bear’s escape route.
  • If you cannot leave the area, make loud noises that could make the bear flee, such as yelling or banging on pots or pans.

Finally, anyone whose outdoor activities increase the chances of a bear encounter can carry bear spray with them. In the unlikely event a bear charges to attack, you should aggressively fight back against the bear, according to the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Do not attempt to “play dead” during a black bear attack, the agency says. For more information on how you can live responsibly with bears, visit BearWise.

 

Report Human/Bear Conflict

Black Bear Project Leader: Senior Biologist Matt Hensley (918) 527-9918

 

Southeast

Wildlife Technician Aaron Dossey: (918)-260-3920

Wildlife Technician Tres Phipps: (918)-527-9921

 

Northeast

Senior Biologist J.D. Ridge: 918-617-1113

Senior Biologist Curt Allen: 918-260-8959

Wildlife Biologist Colby Farquhar: 918-316-2281

Wildlife Biologist Russell Perry: 918-629-5286

Regional Supervisor Matt Mattioda: 918-625-4475

 

Central

Wildlife Biologist John Carter: 405-823-8383

Wildlife Biologist Jay Rouk: 918-759-1816

Wildlife Biologist Cameron Gammill: 405-823-8714

 

Northwest

Senior Biologist Eddie Wilson: 580-334-0343

Regional Supervisor Wes Storer: 580-216-9120

Assistant Chief Scott Parry: 580-334-3345

Game Warden Mike Baker: 580-651-9135

Wildlife Biologist Hayden Savage: 806-339-5175

 

Southwest

Wildlife Biologist Chris Robinson: 580-595-0347

Wildlife Biologist Joseph Nabone: 580-471-3371

 

Oklahoma City Metro

Wildlife Biologist Dallas Barber: 405-385-1791

Senior Biologist Jerrod Davis: 405-590-2583

 

Human/bear conflict may also be reported to any local Game Warden.