Black bear spotted in Deer Mountain Subdivision

​We have received a report of a juvenile black bear spotted on Whitetail Drive near the Recreational Springs entrance, rummaging through a garbage can.  SD Game Fish & Parks is aware and wanted us to share information with you.

SDGFP wants you to know that IT IS ILLEGAL TO KILL this bear and it will be monitored closely. All bears are a protected species in South Dakota. 

• Black bears pose no danger to you or your pets.  They are actually very afraid and will do everything to avoid the situation. They are not predators. 
• Black bears are omnivorous: plants, fruits, nuts, insects, honey, salmon, small mammals and carrion. 
• PLEASE make sure your garbage is secure in a large can with a tight lid.  They are opportunistic and will look for any food source.  This includes bird feeders.  If you have a bird feeder, please bring them in so the bear will move on. 
• Do not keep dog & cat food outside.  They will find it.

If at all possible, move all your garbage cans inside a storage facility, garage, or shed.

If you spot a black bear in the area, please notify us or our regional SDGFP wildlife management contact Chad Sebade 605-381-9996.  They ask that you take a picture and leave a message if they aren’t available.

Please send us any images of the bear that you take with location information.  

If you are a rental agency or rent your home, please notify your renters of this information.

Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. 

Shari Kosel
Secretary/Clerk
Deer Mountain Sanitary & Road District
[email protected]