|
DEC Reminds New Yorkers to Be BearWise
this Spring
Published: April 14, 2024 at
10:30 a.m.
By: Press Release from NYS DEC
DEC Reminds New Yorkers to Be BearWise
this Spring
Follow Best Practices to Reduce Potential Conflicts
with Bears
New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos reminds New Yorkers to remove or secure outdoor
food sources that may attract black bears. Throughout the spring and early
summer months, black bears have depleted fat reserves and will search
extensively for easily obtainable, calorie-dense foods, which can lead to
an increase in the potential for human-bear conflicts near homes and
residential areas, especially before the spring green-up when natural food
sources for bears are scarce.
“Across New York,
black bears are emerging from their winter dens and may seek out
human-created food sources,” Commissioner Seggos
said. “Repeat access to these food sources can make bears bolder, so I
encourage New Yorkers to practice the BearWise basics to help keep bears wild and
prevent the potential for human-bear conflicts.”
Those who
maintain bird feeders should begin emptying and cleaning spilled seed from
feeders, and let nature feed the birds from spring through fall. Garbage
and recycling cans should be secured or stored in a sturdy
building. This is also a good time to clean or remove all residual
grease and food from grills and smokers. Pet and livestock food should be
kept indoors and those with chicken coops or apiaries should consider
installing an electric fence to protect flocks and hives. Lastly, neighbors
should alert neighbors to any bear activity so they can take these same
precautions.
New Yorkers are
advised to never feed or approach bears. Feeding bears intentionally is
dangerous and illegal. Bears that become habituated to being fed can become
a threat to people and property.
By taking some
time to practice the BearWise basics New Yorkers are helping
keep bears away from people, homes, and neighborhoods, and that helps keep
bears healthy, wild, and safe by removing any unnatural food attractants
and encouraging neighbors to do the same. For more information on how to live responsibly with black
bears, please visit DEC's website and Bearwise.org.
More information
on reducing backyard bear conflicts is available on
DEC’s YouTube page.
More information
on reducing bear conflicts while camping is available
on DEC’s YouTube page.
|
