We've had 24 bear-human encounters out here in rural Ohio so far this year.
Most young males (15lb range) looking for a territory of their own.
The only attack so far was the woman attacked about 20 miles from here by a captive bear that got loose.
“It happened so quickly. He just sprung up and was bounding up the hill woofing with his ears back and head down,” Zeek said.
Within two leaps and a matter of seconds the bear had closed almost 20 yards, Zeek said. There was only about 20 more yards separating the hunters and the still-charging bruin, so they opened fire with their .270 and 30.350 rifles.
“If I had had my rifle slung he would have smoked me,” Zeek said.
Since they already had their weapons loaded and in hand, they were able to get off three or four shots.
Heck, I live 25 east of Cleveland and we have got 2 black bears running around here. This is not a rural area either!