Warrenville, South Carolina, September 30, 2025
News Summary
A surge of black bear sightings in the Central Savannah River Area has raised safety concerns. Schools in Aiken County implemented precautionary measures as sightings occurred near local elementary schools. Residents are urged to secure garbage to prevent attracting bears. The unusual frequency of these sightings has sparked discussions about the impact of urban development on wildlife habitats.
Warrenville, South Carolina – A surge of black bear sightings has been reported throughout the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) for the fourth consecutive day, raising safety concerns among residents and prompting Aiken County Public Schools to take precautionary measures. The most recent bear sighting occurred Thursday morning near Warrenville Elementary School in Aiken County, which led the school district to issue an email alert regarding the situation.
By 10 a.m. on the same day, another bear was reported near Gloverville Elementary School, followed by additional sightings at Aiken Elementary School. In response to these occurrences, Aiken County schools activated the “Secure” Standard Response Protocol (SRP), maintaining normal indoor operations while locking all exterior doors to manage entry and exit.
As reports of bears continued, school officials noted that sightings further away from Gloverville Elementary led to the conclusion that regular school operations could resume safely. Residents in Gloverville have expressed shock at the sight of bears in their neighborhoods, with some suggesting that increasing construction and rapid development in the Aiken corridor may be contributing to the displacement of bears from their natural habitats.
These unusual sightings are not limited to Aiken County; recent reports also indicate bears have been seen in Richmond County and Columbia County. Officers from the North Augusta Department of Public Safety responded to calls about a bear near Exit 5 on Interstate 20 but were unable to locate it. Additionally, on Tuesday, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office addressed a bear sighting on Stevens Creek Road and worked with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to relocate the bear safely.
According to wildlife experts, black bears typically avoid human interaction but are drawn to easy food sources such as garbage. Parents and residents have been urged to secure their garbage to prevent attracting bears. The bear sightings in the CSRA are particularly unusual, as the region does not have a year-round bear population. In Georgia, bears are predominantly found in the northern and southeastern parts of the state, with some also reported in Twiggs County.
Concerns for both the bears’ safety and public welfare have been echoed by parents like Diona Ford, who recalled a bear sighting while dropping off her son at school. At the same time, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning advising the public to avoid the area around Stevens Creek and Clausen Roads due to the presence of a black bear.
As the situation continues to develop, local authorities urge residents to remain cautious and vigilant while acknowledging that such bear sightings are uncommon in the area.
Background Context
Traditionally, black bears in Georgia maintain a low profile and are primarily found in the northern and southeastern regions of the state. The recent uptick in sightings throughout CSRA suggests that environmental changes and urban development may be influencing bear behavior and habitat accessibility. The increase in encounters with humans raises concerns about safety for both residents and wildlife.
FAQ
Where have black bear sightings been reported in the CSRA?
Black bear sightings have been reported near Warrenville Elementary School, Gloverville Elementary School, and Aiken Elementary School in Aiken County.
What precautions have schools in Aiken County taken in response to bear sightings?
Aiken County schools implemented the “Secure” Standard Response Protocol (SRP), which involves maintaining normal operations indoors while locking all exterior doors.
Why are black bear sightings unusual in the CSRA?
The bear sightings in the CSRA are unusual because the region does not have a year-round bear population. Bears in Georgia are mainly found in the northern and southeastern parts of the state.
What should residents do to avoid attracting bears?
Residents have been advised to secure their garbage to avoid attracting bears.
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Key Features of the Bear Sightings
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of Sightings | Warrenville Elementary School, Gloverville Elementary School, Aiken Elementary School, Richmond County, Columbia County |
| Safety Measures | “Secure” Standard Response Protocol implemented by Aiken County schools |
| Bear Relocation | Richmond County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with Georgia Department of Natural Resources for bear relocation |
| Advice for Residents | Secure garbage to avoid attracting bears |
| Bear Population in Georgia | Primarily found in northern and southeastern Georgia |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Aiken County Deputies Search for Missing Woman Rachel Jeanie Black
Additional Resources
- News Source: WRDW
- Wikipedia: Black bear
- News Source: Augusta Chronicle
- Google Search: Bear sightings in Georgia
- News Source: WFXG
- Google Scholar: Black bear habitat
- News Source: Augusta Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Black bear
- News Source: Post and Courier
- Google News: Black bears in CSRA
- News Source: WRDW
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
