Conflicts with black bears can be easily avoided

The Wisconsin DNR encourages residents and visitors to take precautions, to avoid potential conflicts with black bears across the state, as they emerge from their dens this spring.

Black bears are most common in the northern half of the state; however, populations have slowly expanded southward, for the past few decades. They are naturally cautious animals, that normally avoid contact with people for their safety, but conflicts between people and bears can arise. Additionally, bears can quickly learn to associate humans with food, when food sources are available.

“Grilling outdoors, feeding birds, pet food provided outside and unsecured trash cans, can lead to conflict when they become bear food sources,” said Brad Koele, DNR wildlife damage specialist. “It is important to make sure these attractants are inaccessible to bears at all times of the year, but it’s especially important in spring, when natural food sources are limited.”

If a bear finds food, such as bird feed or garbage, near homes and cabins, it will likely return. Visits are more likely to stop, when food is no longer available. Bears will periodically check sites where food was once available, so it may take several days to weeks after a food source has been removed, for a bear to discontinue visiting food sites entirely.

The following steps should be practiced to avoid attracting black bears:

• Do not knowingly feed a bear

• Completely remove bird feeders, even during daytime hours – bears are active during the day, and may cause problems, even if the feeders are out only during that time

• Clean areas where bird feeders were located, so that accumulated deposits of spilled seed are removed

• Reduce garbage odors by rinsing food cans before putting them in covered recycling containers or garbage cans

• Keep meat scraps in the freezer until garbage day, and if possible, keep garbage cans in a closed building until the morning of pick-up

• Be sure to lock commercial dumpsters

• Keep pet food inside or inaccessible to bears, even during daytime hours

• Keep barbeque grills and picnic tables clean Bears are normally solitary forest animals, but their powerful sense of smell can lead them into urban areas in search of food, especially in the spring and fall. Black bears are secretive animals and usually try to avoid people. However, conflicts with humans can occur when bears destroy gardens, bird feeders, apiaries and trash cans.

By understanding bear behavior, there are several ways people can reduce negative human-bear conflicts around their homes. The DNR’s Living With Black Bears In Wisconsin pamphlet is one resource for learning more about co-existing with bears in Wisconsin.

“Taking proactive steps now, will decrease the likelihood that wildlife specialists will need to conduct site visits and implement control efforts,” said Koele.”

If a bear is near a home or cabin, wave arms and make noise to scare it away. Back away slowly and seek a safe location to wait for the bear to leave.

When scaring a bear away, make sure it has a clear escape route; never corner a bear. If a bear is encountered while in the woods, stay calm and do not approach the bear. Never approach a bear with cubs and for safety, do not attempt to break up a fight between a pet and a bear.

The DNR partners with the USDA Wildlife Services Program, to respond to approximately 800 bear-related complaints reported in Wisconsin, each year.

If unable to resolve a conflict with a bear, contact the USDA Wildlife Services toll-free line at 1-800-433-0663 for properties in southern Wisconsin, and 1-800-228-1368 for properties in northern Wisconsin.

For more information regarding bears and safety, visit dnr.wisconsin.gov.