DEC Reminds New Yorkers to Be BearWise This Spring - Public Encouraged to Remove Bird Feeders, Feed Pets Indoors

ALBANY — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton today reminded New Yorkers to remove or secure outdoor food sources that may attract black bears. Throughout the spring and early summer months, black bears have depleted fat reserves and will search extensively for easily obtainable, calorie-dense foods, which can lead to an increase in the potential for human-bear conflicts near homes and residential areas, especially before the spring green-up when natural food sources for bears are scarce.

“Across New York State, black bears are emerging from their winter dens looking for something good to eat, including human-created sources like bird feeders, grills, and pet food,” DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Repeated access to these food sources can make bears bolder, so DEC encourages New Yorkers to practice the BearWise basics to help keep bears wild and prevent the potential for human-bear conflicts.”

DEC advises New Yorkers to reduce the potential for human-bear conflicts to protect bears and themselves by practicing the BearWise basics: 

Empty feeders and clean spilled seed and let nature feed the birds from spring through fall.

Secure or store garbage and recycling cans in a sturdy building.

Clean and remove residual grease and food from grills and smokers.

Keep pets and livestock food indoors; those with chicken coops or apiaries should consider installing an electric fence to protect flocks and hives. 

Lastly, neighbors should alert neighbors to any bear activity so they can take these same precautions.

New Yorkers are advised to never feed or approach bears. Feeding bears intentionally is dangerous and illegal. Bears that become habituated to being fed can become a threat to people and property.

This week, DEC hosted the 26th Eastern Black Bear Workshop (EBBW). The EBBW is a biannual meeting of bear managers, researchers, and biologists from across North America that facilitates information sharing and collaboration to address the challenges facing bear conservation and management. In 1972, DEC hosted the first workshop, which included bear biologists from 11 U.S. states and the U.S. Department of the Interior. At the time, there were only approximately 2,000 to 3,000 black bears in New York. This year, more than 100 black bear management experts representing 25 U.S. States and Canada, as well as representatives from academia, national parks, non-governmental organizations, and private industry attended this event. DEC estimates there are currently approximately 8,000 bears in New York. This conservation success story demonstrates the effectiveness of DEC’s science-based approach to black bear management in New York State. The knowledge and experiences shared at these workshops is invaluable to improving black bear management in New York.

By taking time to practice the BearWise basics, removing any unnatural food attractants and encouraging neighbors to do the same, New Yorkers are helping keep bears away from people, homes, and neighborhoods, and that helps keep bears healthy, wild, and safe 

For more information on how to live responsibly with black bears, visit DEC's website and Bearwise.org.