Young black bears can be a nuisance
Out on their own for the first time, yearling black bears can sometimes be quite a nuisance for homeowners and campers throughout the state of Maine. There are steps you can take to minimize these potential conflicts.
Maine possesses the largest black bear population in the East, yet has relatively few bear/human conflicts compared to other states. Black bears are generally secretive, are known to travel many miles to food sources, and can become quite bold once discovering a food source. Maine’s bear population is estimated at 23,000, and it has remained at that level through population management programs that include hunting and trapping seasons as well as bear den surveys.
When mother bears force yearlings (16-month old bears) out on their own so the mothers can mate and produce a new litter, these yearling black bears can run into trouble or surprises in farms and neighborhoods throughout Maine, particularly in areas that border forestland.
Forced to fend for themselves for the first time, these yearlings are sometimes lured to easy meals of birdseed, compost piles, pet food, barbecue grills, and garbage cans as they seek out territory to call their own. Black bears are omnivorous (eat both vegetable and meat). They are opportunistic feeders who will feed on what is available seasonally, such as newly emerged succulent plants in the spring, and more nutritious foods such as berries, fruits, roots, and insects in the summer. Beechnuts, hazelnuts and acorns are the staple food source in the fall.
When natural foods are not abundant, black bears will seek alternative foods such as agricultural crops, commercial beehives, garbage, suet, and sometimes livestock. They prefer foods with high protein or fat content, which is why they love human food and garbage.
You can help minimize human/bear conflicts by following these steps to eliminate food sources around your home:
Remove bird feeders in the spring and clean up seeds below feeders. There are plenty of natural foods available for the birds.
Keep garbage in airtight containers inside your garage or storage area. Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection, not the night before.
Don’t put meat or food leftovers in your compost pile.
Don’t leave pet food dishes outdoors at night.
Clean up or store outdoor grills after each use.
When camping, keep campsites clean; food should be kept in airtight containers in vehicles or out of a bear’s reach – never inside a tent.
If you do find a bear feeding at your home, you can scare them away by making loud noises (such as banging pots together). If you get repeated visits by a bear, please contact a game warden by calling the state police, or by calling an Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Regional Office.
Tags: Black Bear
Posted
on Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
Filed under Guide Articles.
Share this page with your network:
Leave us a comment:
Leave a Comment
|
