As black bears emerge from their winter dens in Western North Carolina, including the Asheville area and Buncombe County, residents are reminded to take precautions to avoid conflicts. BearWise.org is offering spring safety tips as bears actively search for food.
BearWise Tips for Homes and Neighborhoods
Several communities in western North Carolina, including Mountain Meadows in Asheville, Highlands, and Black Mountain, are part of the BearWise program. To secure attractants, it is important to never feed or approach bears. Doing so conditions them to seek food near people and can cause defensive reactions.
Residents should secure food, garbage, and recycling in sturdy buildings or bear-resistant containers until the morning of pickup. Stacking items such as pizza boxes outside should be avoided. Removing bird feeders during active bear seasons is also advised, as the seeds offer high calories for bears. Pet food should never be left outdoors, and grills and smokers should be cleaned and stored to eliminate grease odors, preferably in locked areas.
Alerting neighbors to bear activity and sharing resources is also recommended. Garages, porches, decks, and vehicles should be checked for hidden attractants like pet food, bird seed, or antifreeze. Doors should be locked and interiors cleaned.
Tips for Encounters
When hiking or in the wild, people should stay alert, travel in groups, leash dogs, and carry bear spray, checking its expiration date. Leaving no trash or food scraps is crucial, and camping items should be stored outside of tents. If a bear approaches, back away slowly, yell "Hey Bear," stand your ground, and use bear spray if needed. Campsite incidents should be reported to rangers.
Context and Background
Black bears are managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission via BearWise. The emergence of bears from dens in the spring, starting in March, leads to increased food searches, sightings, and potential conflicts if food is improperly stored. Bears seek easy calories after hibernation, and human attractants like trash and feeders exacerbate these issues. The biggest threat to bears is people via poor food management.
Authorities emphasize that these steps are effective. Bears rarely act aggressively but will defend food sources. Communities adopting BearWise practices experience fewer issues.
Find more tips and information @ https://bearwise.org/