(Still from video courtesy of the NYSDEC)<\/p><\/div>\n
It’s the time of year when residents are reminded to remove or secure outdoor food sources that may attract black bears<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation<\/strong> said people who feed birds in areas with bears should empty and clean up spilt seed from feeders, and let nature feed the birds from spring through fall.<\/p>\n
The public is also advised to secure garbage cans in a sturdy building, clean or remove all residual grease and food from grills, and store pet and livestock food indoors.<\/p>\n
Residents are also asked to consider installing electric fences around chicken coops or apiaries to protect flocks and hives.<\/p>\n
Black bears emerging from their winter dens have depleted fat reserves and will search extensively for easily obtainable, calorie-dense foods. They will readily utilize human-created food sources and repeat access can make bears bolder, leading to an increase in human-bear conflicts around homes and residential areas, especially when natural food sources are scarce.<\/p>\n
Feeding bears intentionally is illegal. Unintentional feeding can create problems for the surrounding community, or even the bear if it becomes a threat to people or property.<\/p>\n
For more information on how to live responsibly with black bears, visit DEC’s website at https:\/\/www.dec.ny.gov\/animals\/6995.html<\/a> and Bearwise.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"