That is why the ODNR is taking part in " Operation Dry Water," a nationwide enforcement campaign. "Our officers are going to be, you know, stopping boats for probable cause stops," Sterwerf said.

Black bears are generally afraid of people. What if you're afraid of them and pull out your gun? Here's what to know about Ohio law.

Ohio now has 964 confirmed active bald eagle nests, ODNR discovered through its 2025 nest census. The majestic birds now live in 87 of the state's 88 counties.

Can I hunt or shoot bears in Ohio? Black bears are an endangered species in Ohio. They once inhabited the state, but unregulated hunting and deforestation in the 1800s drastically reduced their ...

Earlier that year in June, ODNR recovered the body of Dana M. Busson, 55, of Doylestown, who was found in a remote area of Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve.

2 NEWS spoke with an officer with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to learn more about how to stay safe while enjoying the summer weather.

In a social media post, Wooster Police Department (WPD) reminded the public that black bears are a protected species and contacted the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) after the sighting.

In the 2025 census, 964 bald eagle nests were confirmed. “The bald eagle is one of Ohio’s great conservation success stories,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz.

COLUMBUS – Landowners may now enroll their property in the Ohio Landowner-Hunter Access Partnership, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Enrollment ...

The number of bald eagle nests in Ohio and in the region grew rapidly over the past 12 years. Photo courtesy of Ohio Department of Natural Resources LIMA — Bald eagle nests are making a comeback ...

Shortly after the Columbus Zoo's opening of the North America Trek, two black bear cubs are introduced into the region.

If you feel like you're seeing rabbits everywhere you turn in the Columbus area, you're not the only one. See what experts have to say about why.