Bird Feeders Should Be Down By March 15, Officials Say
CONCORD, N.H. -- The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department recommends taking down bird feeders now as bears remained active during the winter and more will be emerging from their dens shortly.Officials usually use April 1 as the recommended time for taking down bird feeders, but food is readily available for bears after a mild winter, so they'll be active earlier.
Fish and Game said spring is a critical time for bears. They typically lose 25 percent of their body weight during the denning period.
Residential prevention
- Take down, clean and put away bird feeders by April 1. Store the bird feeder until late fall. (Birds will do just fine with the natural foods available.) Bear damage to bird feeders is a common and growing spring complaint.
- Clean up spilled seed below feeder stations.
- Keep garbage in airtight containers inside your garage or storage area. Double bagging and the use of ammonia will reduce odors that attract bears.
- Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before.
- Do not place meat or sweet food scraps in your compost pile.
- Do not leave pet food or dishes outdoors at night.
- Clean up and/or store outdoor grills after use.
- Use a bear-proof dumpster.
- Never intentionally feed bears to attract them to your yard for viewing. Since 2006, it is also illegal to intentionally feed bears.
What you should do if you encounter a black bear
- Normal trail noise should alert bears to your presence and prompt them to move without being noticed. However, if you see a bear, keep your distance. Make it aware of your presence by clapping, talking or making other sounds.
- If a bear does not immediately leave after seeing you, the presence or aroma of food may be encouraging it to stay. Remove any sight or smell of foods. Place food items inside a vehicle or building. Occupy a vehicle or building until the bear wanders away.
- Black bears will sometimes "bluff charge" when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground and slowly back away.
- Enjoy watching black bears and other wildlife from a distance. Respect them and their right to live in wild New Hampshire.
- Black bears do not typically exhibit aggressive behavior, even when confronted. Their first response is to flee. Black bears rarely attack or defend themselves against humans.
- More Bear tips: http://ow.ly/9F3t7
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