Black Bear Goes For a Swim in a Kentucky Lake [VIDEO]

As Kentuckians venture out into the beautiful scenery of the Bluegrass state, we're bound to encounter all kinds of wildlife. In a video shared on Facebook, a woman spotted an adorable and slightly frightening sight.

Black Bears In Kentucky

In the last 20 years, the black bear population has seen a resurgence in Kentucky woodlands. Relocating from neighboring states like West Virginia and Tennessee. Black bears are obviously black in color with brown muzzles. They can grow from four to six feet in length and are very strong and curious. Ranging from 120-350 pounds on average, they're also excellent climbers and swimmers.

Black Bear Swimming at Mill Creek Lake

Located close to Natural Bridge State Park in the Red River Gorge Area, Mill Creek Lake is a beautiful place to explore. Especially for kayaking and paddleboard enthusiasts like Ami Daniels. While out on her stand-up paddleboard, she noticed a black bear out for a swim. Apparently not too far from the boat dock. Look at him just paddling across!

My favorite comment is "Looks like he needs a life jacket. Or a kayak!"

What to Do if You Encounter a Black Bear in Kentucky

Ami was somehow able to keep her cool and balance on a paddleboard. I'd have to fight the urge to get the heck out of dodge as fast as I could, but that is definitely the wrong thing to do if you see a black bear in the wild. Here are some tips from Natural Bridge State Resort Park for what to do.

-Stay calm

-Don't run

-Back away slowly

-Make loud noises

-Make yourself look big

-Identify yourself

I'm not quite sure about the last one. Like introduce myself? "Hi bear! I'm M-Kat! PLEASE DON'T EAT ME!" Just kidding, but in a seriousness, it is the beginning of black bear mating season, so as you go on your Kentucky adventures, be careful and follow some of the advice here at the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website for campsite/hiking safety when it comes to black bears.