It seems a bear cub recently visited the porch of a residence in Winfield and there are plenty of “uncertainties” about where the animal came from, a state wildlife official said this morning.
Matt Peek, wildlife research biologist with the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks, was aware of the sighting. It occurred in north Winfield earlier this month and its presence was captured by a Ring doorbell cam. (VIDEO)
“Yes, it does appear to be a bear cub. It’s uncertain where it originated,” Peek wrote in an email. “We aren’t aware of resident bears in Kansas, or even that close in Oklahoma, so it would be unexpected for a wild bear cub to show up in that area. At this point, we can’t rule out the possibility that it was in someone’s possession and not from the wild.”
At this time of year, he said, a yearling club should be denned up with its mother. That means the sow or den could have been disturbed or there could be some type of health issues, perhaps starvation, that separated mom from cub.
“This is definitely not typical,” he said.
If you spot the cub, Peek has basic advice. Without a sow nearby, the cub itself is probably not a significant threat to residents or pets.
“If people see it, give it space and respect the fact that even though it’s not large, it is still a wild animal with sharp teeth and claws,” Peek said. “People should keep their distance, secure evidence if they are able (like a phone video), and report to me in the Emporia office.”
That number is (620) 342-0658.