RALEIGH, N.C. (March 31, 2015) —
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission advises that black bear sightings will
become more common across the state as weather becomes warmer.
While black bears are not inherently dangerous and rarely aggressive
toward people, the Wildlife Commission advises caution and using common sense
to reduce the potential for problems.
If left alone, most transient bears will find their way quickly out of
town and back to natural habitat. People are urged not to approach or follow
bears, or put themselves between a bear and its possible escape route.
“Seeing a bear passing through a neighborhood can cause a lot of
excitement,” said Ann May, the Wildlife Commission’s extension wildlife
biologist. “But folks need to give a bear plenty of room and allow it to move
out of the area freely. To prevent a dangerous situation, crowds should not
gather nearby.”
The Wildlife Commission advises people to not feed bears, whether
intentionally or inadvertently. Bears accustomed to feeding on pet food, table
scraps, garbage and birdseed can lose their fear of humans resulting in
property damage or other more serious problems. Suggested ways to avoid
problems:
· Use bear-proof garbage cans or trash
containers with a secure latching system.
· Keep trash inside as late as possible
on pick-up days — don’t put trash curbside the night before.
· Take down birdfeeders, even those
advertised as “bear-proof.”
· If you feed pets outside, make sure
all food is consumed and empty bowls are promptly removed.
“It’s a good idea to clean food and grease from barbecue grills after
each use,” May said. “Bears are attracted to food odors, so you don’t want to
dispose of grease or cooking oil nearby. Be careful with food and food odors in
vehicles, as well.”
The Wildlife Commission rarely traps and relocates bears. Relocation can
be dangerous to personnel and the bear, and generally proves unsuccessful.
Relocated bears often return to where they were originally captured.
Additionally, there are few remote areas remaining in the state to which bears
can be relocated. For more information, go to www.ncwildlife.org/bear or
call 919-707-0050.
About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to
the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources
through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The
Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of
fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and
opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting
activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.
Get N.C. Wildlife Update — news including season dates,
bag limits, legislative updates and more — delivered free to your Inbox from
the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Go towww.ncwildlife.org/enews.
