AKRON, Ohio -- Wildlife officials are tracking the movements of a young black bear in the Massillon area.

The 125-pound bear is wandering near the Stark-Wayne county line, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Biologists believe the young male bear, approximately 1½ years old, is moving around in a quest to establish his own territory.

Other bears are on the move in northeast Ohio for the same reason and bear populations in Ohio are expected to increase as they expand in neighboring states.

Officials said that black bears are not aggressive animals by nature, but people should still not approach them.

In 2006, there were 113 reported sightings of black bears in Ohio, most occurring in northeast and southeast portions of the state.