In some areas it may be safe to resume feeding birds during early summer if the feeders are closely monitored.Store all birdseed securely indoors at all times.It should either be removed or treated with a covering scent, such as ammonia. It is also important to remember that residual seed remaining on the ground will attract bears.Bird seed presents an abundant and easily obtained food source. When bears emerge from their dens in early spring, natural foods are lacking.Some natural, bear-safe ways to attract birds to your yard are bird baths and colorful native gardens.Birds do not require supplemental feeding, especially during the warmer months of the year. Bird feeding should only occur during the winter months when bears are in their dens.DEC highly recommends that bird feeding activities cease by April 1 and resume November 30 if you live in bear country.Take Action! It is imperative to break the pattern of black bears coming to homes for food. If they become accustomed to feeding in yards and around homes and people, they may cause property damage and will likely become chronic nuisances.īears foraging in developed areas are significantly more likely to be hit by cars or shot illegally by people who mistakenly perceive a threat to their own safety. Bears that successfully find bird seed at one home will inevitably approach other homes. It takes less effort to obtain calories from a bird feeder than to forage for natural foods. In many cases, bird seed is the food of choice and will be sought out over other natural foods.īird seed, even in small quantities, is high in protein and fat. Help keep bears wild and your property safe.Īs unbelievable as it may be, an animal as large and powerful as a black bear is readily attracted to bird feeders. ![]() A typical birdįeeder contains roughly 12,000 calories.
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