DEC warns of attracting bears waking this spring

DELMAR, N.Y. (NEWS10) -The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says after hibernating through the winter, bears are back on the hunt for food. Bear encounters are more common during the spring and early summer as their fat reserves have been depleted.

"They’re going to be looking for readily available food sources on the landscape and that brings them to close proximity to people when there’s unnatural food sources that people have provided," stated Big Game Biologist, Brendan Quirion.

To prevent this, the DEC recommends keeping farm animals like chickens and bees behind electric fences and storing trash and recycling bins in a secure area. Bird feeders may also attract more than just feathered friends.

"Bird feeders aren’t really necessary this time of year to feed the birds, there’s going to be plenty of food for birds throughout the spring and summer. And so you can take those bird feeders down so that way bears won’t access them," explained Quirion.

At WildBird Junction in Delmar, Lance Raffe said not all bird feeders and seeds will attract bears. "Hummingbird feeders throughout the summer are usually pretty safe. We usually recommend a Nyger feeder for the finches because that's also another seed that bears typically are not interested in."

Alternatives to bird feeders are also available. "One way is with water. All birds need water. Planting native plants, fruit and berry and nut producing plants in your backyard, are a good way to attract birds year-round without filling a feeder at all," added Raffe, the owner of WildBird Junction.

The DEC advises bird enthusiasts to empty their bird feeders and pick up any seeds from the ground. Intentionally feeding bears is illegal and dangerous, as officials want the bears to stay safe and independent. If you come into close contact with a bear, the DEC recommends making noises, like clapping your hands and raising your voice, to let the bear know you are there.