Officials issue guidance to reduce conflicts with bears
ALBANY, N.Y. (March 23, 2021) – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded New Yorkers to avoid conflicts with bears by taking down bird feeders and securing garbage.
DEC already has received a few reports of bear sightings across the state. As bears emerge from their dens, they use their sensitive noses to find food. Human-related food sources such as bird feeders, pet food, and garbage can attract bears and lead to potential conflicts. Feeding bears either intentionally, which is illegal, or unintentionally through careless property management, has consequences for entire communities, as well as the bears themselves.
To reduce the potential for human-bear conflicts, DEC advises everyone residing in or visiting bear country (much of upstate New York) to remove any attractants. People should take down birdfeeders and clean up any remaining bird seed by April 1, store garbage inside secure buildings, and feed pets indoors. By taking these simple steps, New Yorkers can help to ensure bears will find food naturally, which in turn protects people, property, and bears.
For more information, visit DEC’s webpage on reducing human-bear conflicts at https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6995.html.
(New York State Department of Environmental Conservation)