Public Encouraged to
Remove Birdfeeders, Feed Pets Indoors
The New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded New Yorkers to take
down bird feeders and secure garbage to avoid potential conflicts with
black bears.
Bears are emerging from their
dens, and now is the time to take steps to reduce potential conflicts
through the spring and summer. Bird feeders, unsecured garbage, and
outdoor pet and livestock feed can attract bears and lead to potential
conflicts for homeowners. Repeated access to bird feeders and garbage can
make bears bolder, seeking additional sources of human-related foods
inside vehicles or buildings, particularly when natural foods are scarce.
Feeding bears intentionally
is illegal. Unintentional feeding through bird feeders and unsecured
garbage also has consequences for communities and may ultimately be
deadly for the bear if the bear becomes a greater threat to people and
property after exposure to these sources of food. It is important to
properly manage attractants to avoid human-bear conflicts.
DEC advises everyone residing
in or visiting bear country (most of upstate New York) to remove any
attractants. People should take down birdfeeders and clean up any
remaining bird seed now, begin storing garbage inside secure buildings
until the morning of collection, and feed pets indoors. By taking these
simple steps, New Yorkers can help ensure bears will find food naturally,
which protects people, property, and bears.
For more information,
please visit DEC's webpage on reducing human-bear
conflicts.
An interview with DEC Wildlife Biologist Jeremy Hurst
discussing ways to avoid human-bear conflicts and a video of a bear
destroying a bird feeder can be found at DEC's website.
Please courtesy NYSDEC if used.
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