Living with Black Bears

 

As the black bear population continues to grow so do an increasing number of human-bear conflicts.  In order for bears to coexist with humans, we have to understand normal bear behavior.  Black bears tend to be shy, solitary animals, but at some times of the year, particularly in the spring when bears emerge from their winter dens and food is not abundant, bears may be on the lookout for opportunistic food sources.  This might be your garbage can, or the bird feeder in your back yard.  Nearly all human-bear conflicts are a result of the animals’ search for food.  There are lots of simple things you can do to avoid conflicts with bears.With your help we can continue to live together with this great animal, enjoying their presence in the woods around us and at the same time reducing conflicts with bears around our homes and our campsites.

Reducing Bear Conflicts Near Your Home

Bears are attracted to numerous items around homes including:

• bird feeders
• compost piles
• grills
• pet food
• gardens
• garbage
• suet
• cooking grease
• anything that gives off a food aroma

Here are some simple tips to avoid bear problems.

• make bird feeders inaccessible to bears by hanging them at least 10ft off the ground and 5 ft away from tree trunks, or on a limb that will not support a bear
• consider taking down bird feeders at the end of winter
• during spring and summer bring feeders inside at night
• clean up spilled bird seed below feeder stations
• if you see a bear at a bird feeder during the day, take the feeder down and discontinue all feeding for at least two weeks.
• keep your garbage cans tightly closed and indoors if possible
• pick up loose or spilled garbage so it doesn't attract bears
• occasionally clean out your garbage cans with bleach to make them less attractive to bears
• when camping don't cook, eat, or store food in your tent
• store food and cooking utensils away from your campsite
• dispose of scraps in closed containers away from campsite, not in the fire
• keep you campsite clean

If You See a Black Bear

• Make noise and wave your arms-let the bear know you are there so you don't surprise it.  Bears normally leave an area once they know a human is around
• If you happen to surprise a bear at close range, back away slowly
• If you are near a vehicle or building, go inside until the bear wanders away
• Enjoy watching bears from a distance

If a Bear is Causing a Nuisance in Your Area

Contact Menominee Conservation at 715-799-6150 or the Wildlife Biologist at 715-799-5109