Black bear activity is at its highest from summer through early fall. Mothers with babies are seeking food, as are male bears.
BearWise, an education and outreach program offered by Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, provides plenty of free informational fact sheets at this site: https://bearwise.org/bearwise-store/Fact-Sheets-Checklists-Posters-c50913670.
For homeowners, being bear wise involves some of these tips:
- Clean grills after each use and make sure that all grease, fat, and food particles are removed. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.
- Feed pets indoors when possible. If you must feed pets outside, feed in single portions and remove food and bowls after feeding. Store pet food where bears cannot see or smell it.
- Birdseed and grains have lots of calories, so they are very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creating conflicts with bears.
- Food and food odors attract bears, so do not reward them with easily available food, liquids, or garbage.
- Intentionally feeding bears or allowing them to find anything that smells or tastes like food teaches bears to approach homes and people looking for more.
- See bears in the area or evidence of bear activity? Tell your neighbors and share information on how to avoid conflicts with bears.
- Bears will defend themselves if a person gets too close, so do not risk your safety and theirs. If you see a bear before it notices you, do not approach. Stand still, enjoy, then quietly move away.
If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Never run; running may trigger a chase response. If a bear approaches, hold your ground, wave your arms and yell “Hey Bear” until it leaves. If it keeps approaching, use bear spray.
Top photo by Riley Henry