Public Encouraged to Remove Bird Feeders, Feed Pets Indoors
The New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded New Yorkers to remove
or secure outdoor food sources that may attract black bears.
New Yorkers who feed birds in
areas with bears (which includes most of upstate New York), should begin
emptying and cleaning up spilt seed from feeders, and let nature feed the
birds from spring through fall. The public is also advised to secure
garbage cans in a sturdy building, clean or remove all residual grease
and food from grills, and store pet and livestock food indoors. New
Yorkers should also consider installing electric fences around chicken
coops or apiaries to protect flocks and hives.
Black bears emerging from
their winter dens have depleted fat reserves and will search extensively
for easily obtainable, calorie-dense foods. Bears will readily utilize
human-created food sources and repeat access can make bears bolder,
leading to an increase in human-bear conflicts around homes and
residential areas, especially when natural food sources are scarce.
Feeding bears intentionally
is illegal. Unintentional feeding can create problems for the surrounding
community, or even the bear if it becomes a threat to people or property.
By removing and/or securing
food sources that might attract bears, the public is helping keep bears
away from people, homes and neighborhoods, which
helps keep bears healthy, wild, and safe. The public is also advised to
remove any unnatural food attractants and encourage neighbors to do the
same. Recently, a bear
in Chemung County proved that bears leave the area if there is no food
available.
For more information on how to live
responsibly with black bears, please visit DEC's
webpage and Bearwise.org (leaves
DEC website).
An interview
with DEC Wildlife Biologist Jeremy Hurst discussing ways to avoid
human-bear conflicts can be found at DEC's website.
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