Fairfield police in Essex County warned residents about a large black bear that was sighted in township on July 9.

So if you see a black bear, remain calm. If it hasn't noticed you, back away slowly and leave the area. If it is aware of you, avoid direct eye contact and give it an easy escape route. Don't run away or climb a tree, which may provoke a chase.

At least one black bear was sighted in Greater Cincinnati on July 7, with separate sightings reported in Springfield Township and Greenhills. Confirmed black bear sightings in Ohio reached a record high in 2022, with 285 reports and 161 confirmations.