BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Department of Environmental Conservation is reminding New Yorkers to take additional precautions this spring to reduce conflicts with bears.
The DEC is asking residents to practice six "BearWise basics" to avoid having unwanted visitors. They include:
- never feed or approach bears;
- secure food, garbage and recycling;
- remove bird feeders when bears are active;
- never leave pet food outdoors;
- clean and store grills and smokers;
- and finally, alert neighbors to bear activity.
"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," the DEC said Friday.
New Yorkers are also being reminded that intentionally feeding bears is illegal. It could lead to bears creating problems in the community. The DEC released a video showing how bears will search for food when hungry.
The DEC is advising New Yorkers who live in bear country, or those who plan on visiting those areas, to take down bird feeders, clean up any remaining birdseed, store garbage containers, and pet and livestock feed securely indoors.
Visit the DEC website and Bearwise.org for more information.
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