Avoid conflicts with bears whenever possible

As the weather warms and people across the state begin spending more time outside, the public is encouraged to be bear aware and take steps to prevent potential conflicts with black bears this spring.

Every spring, Wisconsin’s estimated 24,000 black bears emerge from their winter torpor and leave their dens, in search of food and potentially, new territory. These explorations sometimes cause unexpected interactions between black bears and the public.

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.

To avoid potential conflicts, it’s important to recognize what attracts black bears and take steps to reduce these attractants, whenever possible. Black bears are known for returning to locations where they’ve found good food sources, so prevention is the best tactic.

Although black bears are much more common in the northern half of the state, southern Wisconsin has seen more black bear activity in recent years. No matter where in Wisconsin, living or playing, follow these basic steps from BearWise, to avoid attracting black bears around the home or campsite:

• Never feed or approach bears – Never feed a bear, whether intentionally or not. The risk of unexpected interactions increases, when bears begin to associate people with food. If bears find a consistent food source around people or people actively feed a bear, the bear will make a habit of visiting the area or approaching people.

• Secure food, garbage and recycling – Food and food odors attract bears, so don’t reward them with easily available food, liquids or garbage.

• Remove bird feeders when bears are active – Birdseed and grains have lots of calories, so they’re very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creat-ing conflicts with bears.

• Never leave pet food outdoors – Feed pets indoors when possible. If pets must be fed outside, feed in single portions, and remove food and bowls after feeding. Store pet food where bears can’t see or smell it.

• Clean and store grills – Barbecue grills and picnic tables often have leftover food scraps, or residues on them, that can attract black bears. Clean surfaces after use in public spaces, to reduce negative human-bear interactions. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.

• Alert neighbors to bear activity – See bears in the area or evidence of bear activity? Tell neighbors and share information on how to avoid bear conflicts. Bears have adapted to living near people; now it’s up to people to adapt to living near bears.

If a black bear is near a home or cabin, from a safe location, try to scare the bear away, by making loud noises (like clanging pots and pans together) or throwing objects in the bear’s direction. Black bears tend to avoid interactions with people, if escape is possible, so make sure it has a clear escape route – never corner a bear.

Make sure to face a bear and not run away. Once the bear is gone, remove any items that may have attracted the bear in the first place.

If encountering a black bear while in the woods, stay calm and do not run. Wave arms and make loud noises to scare it away. Back away slowly and seek a safe location to wait for the bear to leave.

Never approach a bear. For safety, do not attempt to break up a fight between a pet and a bear.

If unable to resolve a recurring issue with a nuisance bear, contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Wildlife Services toll-free lines, at 800-228-1368 (northern Wisconsin) or 715-369-5221; and 800-433-0663 (southern Wisconsin) or 920-324-4514.