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Wildlife Commission offers tips on dealing with black bears

From the NC Wildlife Resources Commission

Published: April 20, 2009

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is reminding western North Carolinians they should not be surprised if they spot a bear this spring – as sightings are common in this part of the state

However, people can take steps to minimize their chances of a having a conflict with the animal.

The Commission is warning people not to feed animals, either purposely or inadvertently, that wander into backyards, city streets and other residential areas. Feeding a bear rewards it for coming close to people and their homes – and will make it more likely to approach again.

While black bears are rarely aggressive toward people, they can become bold when they are used to feeding on human-provided foods, such as garbage and bird seed. Oftentimes, they lose their fear of people.

Contrary to popular belief, wildlife employees will not trap and relocate bears who are a nuisance for homeowners and residents, because this would simply relocate the problem, rather than solve it. The solution is to modify your habits, such as how you feed your pet(s) or where you store your garbage, before a problem begins.

Over the past 10 years, the number of bear-complaint calls to the Commission has doubled, with the vast majority of those calls from western North Carolina. Bears rummage through trash cans, tear down bird feeders, peer in doors and windows and frighten homeowners.

Residents can prevent this by:

• Securing bags of trash inside cans stored in a garage, basement or other secure area, and placing outside as late as possible on trash pick-up days – not the night before.
• Purchasing bear-proof garbage cans or bear proofing your existing garbage container with a secure latching system.
• Discontinuing feeding wild birds during spring and summer, even with feeders advertised as "bear-proof." Bears can still be attracted to seed that spills on the ground.
• Avoiding "free-feeding" pets outdoors. If you must feed pets outdoors, make sure all food is consumed and empty bowls are removed.
• Cleaning all food and grease from barbecue grills after each use. Bears are attracted to the food odors and may investigate.

For more information on coexisting with black bears, read Black Bear Problems in Residential Areas at www.ncwildlife.org.