Bernheim bear photographed for first time

• Bear may be same on that was seen in the forest in July - another first.
• May wander back to eastern Kentucky foothills for the winter.
• Bernheim could support small population of black bears, official says.
• Bernheim opens voting to name the bear. Yogi not among the finalists.

A black bear has been photographed inside Bernheim Forest for the first time and may be the same animal that in July was said to be the first bear sighted inside the arboretum and natural area in its 87-year history.

Bernheim Executive Director Mark Wourms said the images captured by remote cameras say a lot about the large forest just south of Louisville.

"This is a wonderful surprise and demonstrates the high-quality habitat, food, water and large forest blocks that Bernheim offers," Wourms said. The area is also home for part of the year to a migrating population of golden eagles, among other wildlife.

The bear was photographed by motion-triggered cameras at two locations, and the images show the animal looks healthy, he said. "The scar on his nose will allow us to identify and hopefully tell if this is the same bear that has been seen in other locations over past few months."

Wourms said the bear is likely to wander back to the eastern Kentucky foothills for the winter, but added Bernheim is big enough and connected enough to other forest blocks "that we could support, and would love to support a small population of bear in the future."

He said Bernheim can bear-proof trash receptacles if needed.

"We’ll address all this should it become necessary at some point in the future," Wourms said.

Kentucky wildlife officials this summer said that about 1,000 black bears may live in eastern Kentucky, having returned to the state in recent decades after a long absence due to hunting and loss of habitat.  In bear country, state officials encourage people to not store their garbage outdoors, keep grills clean, secure pet food and never feed any bears.

"While black bears can be tolerant of people, they should always be treated as the wild animals they are, whether in a residential or backcountry area," the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources says on its website. "Black bears are rarely aggressive towards people and typically go out of their way to avoid contact. As human development continues and bear numbers increase, however, interactions will be unavoidable."

Reach reporter James Bruggers at 502-582-4645 and at jbruggers@courier-journal.com.

Name thatbear:

• The options are  Bernie, Ranger or Wilson.
• Voting is at the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest website, bernheim.org, through Oct. 12.