BEARS AND BIRDFEEDERS

To avoid possible seasonal conflicts between people and bears in central and western Massachusetts, MassWildlife recommends that bird feeders be taken down by mid-March and that other preventive actions be taken. As the snow disappears and the days become warmer, bears leave their winter dens. "As snow cover diminishes, bears are beginning to leave den sites," says Jim Cardoza, MassWildlife Bear Project Leader. "During the next month or so there is little in the way of natural foods and bears learn to seek out high-energy human foods. This may lead to conflicts that pose hazards to both bears and people."  Though Massachusetts is a small state with the third highest density of people in the country, it is also home to approximately 2000 resident bears. The majority live west of the Connecticut River, but bears also reside in Worcester County.

Cardoza noted that bears have excellent long-term memories and remember which foods are available at different seasons, and where these foods can be found. "Even if a feeder is inaccessible to bears, they will be attracted by the scent of seed and suet and they will scavenge seed spilled on the ground. Once they learn the location of these foods, they will return. Bears are typically shy and fearful of people. However, deliberate feeding or indirect availability of human food, coupled with a lack of harassment may cause bears to become accustomed to the presence of people. As bears lose their fear of people, and develop a taste for human foodstuffs, bears become bolder and may cause damage which ultimately can lead to harm to people or the demise of the animal."

"If a bear is passing through your yard, without stopping, enjoy the sight," says Cardoza. "However, if the bear stops to feed on trash, bird seed or other human generated foods, remove those foods after the bear has left and advise all neighbors to do the same." Cardoza also advises that garbage and pet food also be secured from bears. Keep garbage in airtight containers, securely stored in a cellar, garage or shed. Put trash out for roadside pickup the day of trash pickup, not the night before. Keep trash cans clean and wash them regularly to remove food scraps and fluids. Bears can break into small sheds with loose doors, especially when attracted by sweet or meaty smells. Ammonia or bleach may help deodorize trash containers. If feeding pets outside, don't leave food out all day. Do not deposit sweet or meaty items in your compost pile as bears will soon find it. Where bears are present, the entire neighborhood must take recommended actions or bears will move from yard to yard seeking food. Cardoza noted these actions also reduce problems with other common wildlife species such as coyotes, raccoons, skunks and foxes.

Common sense, good sanitation, and knowledge of bear behavior and habits will go a long way to alleviating human-bear conflicts, allowing everyone to enjoy this magnificent forest animal while preventing damage or disturbance to our homes and yards.  For more detailed bear information, click the Wildlife button on the MassWildlife website (www.mass.gov/masswildlife).