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State wildlife biologist: "We have a robust bear population now in Nottoway County"
Summary
A Virginia Department of Wildlife biologist told the Nottoway County Board of Supervisors that black bears have returned and are establishing territories; the top conflict drivers are unsecured trash and bird feeders, and staff urged residents to secure attractants and report sick animals.
Katie Martin, the state’s deer‑bear‑turkey biologist, told the Nottoway County Board on June 26 that black bears are back in numbers unseen locally in decades and that the county provides “fantastic habitat.” “We have a robust bear population now in Nottoway County,” Martin said. She explained the state manages bears by zones; Nottoway sits in Zone 12, a region that includes neighboring counties with stronger harvests that affect local numbers.
Martin gave harvest figures and conflict data to the board: recent harvests in the county were about 35 bears last year (with a year before of 45) and about 60% of conflict calls relate to trash. She described changes to hunting seasons — including an expanded five‑week firearm season enacted in 2023 — intended to stabilize the population. She also warned board members that sarcoptic mange, a skin disease, has appeared in local bears and asked residents to report sightings to the department’s conflict line (1‑855‑571‑9003).
Board members asked practical questions about timing and local conflicts. Martin advised routine home measures: secure residential garbage, remove bird feeders when bears are present, and consider electric fencing around chicken coops and other attractants. The presentation concluded with Martin leaving brochures on bear behavior, conflict prevention, and how to report sick animals.
The board did not take regulatory action at the meeting; the presentation was informational and staff said they would pass on the educational materials to the public.
