Bears are
one of the most prominent members
of our Northern forests. In recent years their numbers have been growing
and they have become familiar to many of us, though not always in the
best circumstances.
How can we find ways to coexist with these giant denizens of the forest
that doesn't involve shooting them or trapping and relocating them which
are ineffective methods? The DEC no longer has any place to take a trapped
bear.
Leaving cubs without a mother
to teach them for the customary 1 1/2 years assures a steady supply
of bears who do NOT know how to find wild food. Wildlife biologists
have learned that animals breed to the extent of food and shelter available
to their species.
In our area the bears are able to breed large families of 3 & 4
cubs because of the generous food supply. And what is that generous
food supply? Why it's you and me and our way of life! All of our garbage
and our birdseed, all the cat or dog food that is left outside, our
tasty bar-beques left uncleaned are a fabulous restaurant for bear families.
As individuals and as communities
we must change these habits to encourage the bears to forage for
wild food.
Eliminate the food source
and the bears will go away.
It is that simple!!!
Help the weekenders
& the elderly
& you help your own family
The bears that are coming
to your yard are gentle creatures intent on eating as much as possible
in the easiest way. Nothing is easier than your garbage can and birdfeeder!
From the bears' point of view this food is a sign of our friendliness.
The food we offer them is high in protein, fat & sugar. It is the
best high caloric source of food for the bear and it is as addictive
for them as it is for us! Offering this food encourages bear behaviors
such as walking into our kitchens! The black bears that live in the
Northeast are gentle, timid creatures, but they do have their rules
of etiquette, which we need to learn.
Bear manners include
- Keep a respectable distance
- Never tease a bear
- Use a telephoto lens for
your camera
- Do not offer the bear
food
- Stay away from a treed
bear so that s/he can safely come down. These bears are very frightened.
- Treat the bear the way
you would wish to be treated.
Bears get irritated by inappropriate
behaviors and may cuff or nip the offender, just as they would their
cubs. The resultant injuries are not usually severe, but are to be avoided.
They may also "bluff charge" and retreat. Full-blown attacks
by bears are very rare. Campground killings, which are so publicized
are almost exclusively grizzly bear attacks.
If you feel frightened by a bear it is appropriate to yell, wave your
arms, bang pots and pans and or make short rushes and retreating. If
you must you can carry a can of pepper spray of the type sold to mailmen
for dogs. This is effective in chasing away a bear.
Some Pointers:
1) Have a secure garbage system: lock your
dumpster, use bear resistant cans or don't put it out until the morning
of pickup.
2) Summer Bird feeders must be replaced with shrubs and flowers that
provide food & shelter for the birds. Lists are available from garden
centers and Cornell Cooperative Extension. This will also help to eliminate
the conjunctivitis that is blinding so many of our songbirds.
3) Clean up your grill after every use.
4) If bears are coming close to the house then store food in the refrigerator
or plastic bags.
5) Don't leave cat and dog food outside or in screened-in porches. Remove
food from chicken coops during warm months.
6) Cover all compost , esp. melons,with manure or soil
7) Each of us must be responsible for ourselves and to our communities
and to the bears for our part. This is an opportunity to live in peace
and balance with nature. Help the elderly & the weekenders neighbors.
8)Use food more efficiently so that less is thrown away.
More information:
Check out the website of Lynn Rogers, Phd,
(aka The Bear Man) www.bearstudy.org
For bear resistant garbage cans:
www.savenjbears.com
This New Jersey Bear group puts together some great garbage cans which
they sell for $50, their cost.
Bearable Trash Solutions:
www.bearproofing.com, 973-694-7467
Bear Necessities Waste:
www.bearbins.com403-678-6304
More companies can be found on the web.