Historically, reports of black bear sightings increase each year after the start of spring when hungry bears emerge from their winter den sites. However, this year, offices already are reporting calls, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. If left alone, bears typically will return to established bear range — the north Georgia mountains, the Ocmulgee River drainage system in central Georgia or the Okefenokee Swamp in the southeastern part of the state.