DNR Urges Western Marylanders to Be Mindful of Bears
Bears are beginning to leave their winter dens and search for food now that their long winter slumber has come to an end. Since natural foods are scarce in the early spring, they often seek out human-provided sources. Those living in, or visiting bear country can help keep Maryland’s black bears wild by being proactive and exercising good judgment.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents to clean or remove anything outdoors that may smell like food. This includes:
- locking garbage in a bear-proof trash container, or keep it inside a building until the day of pick-up;
- rinsing trash containers with ammonia to eliminate food odors;
- storing cooking grills inside or keep them clean of food residue; and
- removing birdfeeders from April through November ─ there are many wild food sources for birds during this time period.
For more information on living and camping around bears click here or call the Western Region DNR Service Center at 301-777-2136.
Keep up to date with DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service on Facebook and Twitter @MDDNRWildlife.
Posted on 04/05/2014 in black bears # black bears
