LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – Coming face-to-face with a black bear can be rather intimidating, especially if your basic instincts kick in–such as running or screaming–which would be a natural reaction.
According to the West Virginia DNR website, however, you can avoid those interactions by following a few simple, but sometimes forgetful, set of rules.
During the summer months, especially May and June, black bears tend to be out and about a little more than usual as they migrate from their dens out into the wilderness. Foods that humans eat are usually higher in calories than natural foods and because of that fact, black bears will make their way to neighborhoods and other areas where a lot of people tend to be.
Black bears don’t want much trouble–unless of course the person starts the trouble–as they typically are looking for food, and also typically, they want what we want, high calorie food. Securing trash cans, fire pits, outbuildings, and bird feeders are essential to keep the bears where they belong and free from your front porch.
Black Bears like to eat a variety of items including bird seed, trash, dog and cat food, and other animals like chickens.
Maybe me giving out tips on how to keep the bears away is a tad hypocritical as I have about 40-50 chickens in my back yard 24/7. Oh well, they aren’t mine, but still.
Here are some tips from the WVDNR to remember during those summer months:
Take down bird feeders before mid-March.
Store trash in a secure area until the morning of pickup.
Remove pet food and bowls after feeding.
Clean grills after each use and store them in a secure area.
It’s definitely easier said than done, but if you do walk around the house and come toe-to-toe with a huge black bear, don’t panic. Try and remember to be still and think they are only hungry and looking for a nice hot meal. If you charge toward them with a stick or a bat, the bear will feel inclined to defend itself.
So, let’s avoid that and follow these WVDNR tips straight from their website:
Give it space – Never approach a bear, even if it seems uninterested in you.
Back away slowly – Running can trigger a chase instinct.
Make yourself known – Wave your arms and shout, “Hey bear!”
Use bear spray if necessary – If the bear keeps approaching, be ready.
Fight back if attacked – In the rare case of a black bear attack, don’t play dead—fight aggressively.
If you do see a bear from inside your house or find evidence outside that one may be creeping around when no one is watching, alert your neighbors and others that may come around often. Refer them to this story or the WVDNR website/Facebook page.
Now, share this so we all can feel better and more confident when one of those bears comes sniffing around for our weekend leftovers.
Courtesy of tips from WVDNR/Facebook.
