Black bears watched in Vinton County

An adult black bear was radio collared recently by Ohio Division of Wildlife biologists, the first black bear collared in Ohio.

The bear was darted and collared in Vinton County to begin to determine details of black bear demography, density, distribution, and rate of population growth in Ohio. Because of its age and size, biologists believe the bea ris a resident bear.

Vinton County has long been a hot spot for bear activity, and it was believed to have a resident bear population. The GPS collar deployed on this animal, which was estimated to weigh about 250 pounds and be 3 1/2 years old, will provide two locations per day for up to five years.

Black bears are now listed as a state endangered species in Ohio, and they are primarily found in south-central and southeastern Ohio. Ohio’s bear population is estimated to be anywhere from 50 to 100 individuals.

Save the manatees

Looking for a truly useful Christmas gift? The Florida manatee is a gentle giant that has seen a nosedive in populations over recent years for several reasons, which is why the Save The Manatee Club is asking readers to adopt a manatee and help provide funds to reverse the trend.

An annual manatee adoption costs $25 and includes an adoption certificate; photograph of a Florida manatee; biography; a membership handbook filled with photos, facts and information; and official newsletters throughout the year with updated reports on the manatees in the adoption program.

Gift adoptions are available by calling the Save the Manatee Club at 800-432-JOIN or going to savethemanatee.org.

Important dates

Dates to remember for the outdoors-y include the Mid-American Boat Show at the I-X Center in Cleveland from Jan 14 to 18. The center also will host a Cleveland Outdoor Adventure Show with fishing and hunting seminars, exhibitors, a live trout pond for kids’ fishing, and an IBO World Championship Shoot.

Feb. 19 to 21 will feature the debut of the Great American Fly Fishing Expo. The three-day, fly-fishing-only show will provide fly-fishing enthusiasts with quality exhibits, seminars, and other show features. To learn more, visit www.indysportshow.com.

Don’t forget the Field & Stream Outdoor Life Deer and Turkey Expo Ohio, a three-day event held from March 11 to 13 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus at the Bricker Building Ohio Expo Center (State Fairgrounds). The event offers everything from sporting goods and flint knapping to archery trick shooting and furbearers.

For more information on any of the above events, check online for a chosen show and find out times, ticket costs, and other information.

Dick Martin is a retired biology teacher who has been writing outdoor columns for 30 years.  You can reach him at richmart@neo.rr.com.