It’s that time of year – again! Springtime means our native black bears become more active and remain so through summer and fall. Time to remove those wildlife attractants, leash up pets and secure livestock to ensure a BearWise year. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), in partnership with BearWise, provides guidance to residents in preparation for black bears becoming more active in the spring and summer months.
BearWise is an Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies program that provides consistent, science-based information for coexisting with black bears. It’s goal to help people, nationwide, live responsibly with black bears. Black bears are found across North Carolina, making BearWise a resource applicable statewide, from the mountains, through the piedmont region and coastal plain.
NCWRC BearWise Coordinator Ashley Hobbs says spring is the perfect time to take a moment to identify potential bear attractants around your home and community.
“By being proactive in removing these attractants now, residents can avoid future interactions with black bears,” said Hobbs. “The majority of calls about bears to our NC Wildlife Helpline involve some form of unsecured food attractant. When bears have access to food attractants, they’re more likely to hang around our homes and communities. This puts people, pets and bears at risk.”
BearWise provides an extensive checklist of potential attractants with guidance to keep those attractants from being accessed by bears. Common attractants around homes and communities include:
- Garbage & Recycling
- Bird, hummingbird and other wildlife feeders
- Grills
- Pet food
- Snacks & trash inside vehicles
In addition to securing food attractants around homes and businesses, spring is the time to ensure pets and livestock are secured and BearWise has recommendations.
“Dogs and bears don’t mix,” said Hobbs “They often act defensively toward each other. Never allow your dog to harass, chase or corner a bear. Always keep your dog on a non-retractable leash. Leashes really do save lives and prevent injuries.”
Chickens, other small livestock and their feed are all attractants for bears. BearWise has you covered with guidance to ensure all feed and grain is locked up out of reach of bears. Consider bringing livestock, particularly smaller animals, inside a bear-resistant building at night. Install electric fencing around coops and pastures to keep bears away from your animals.
Learn more about preparing for the busy bear season, by visiting BearWise.org. Contact NCWRC’s Wildlife Helpline for assistance at 866-318-2401, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PHOTO CREDIT:
Courtesy of BearWise and Jim Peaco