Be beary cautious on the market.
That’s the message from Massachusetts wildlife consultants, as they urge residents to take down their chook feeders and safe different meals sources with hungry bears rising from their dens.
It’s beginning to get heat, and younger black bears are looking for meals and new territory. For example, MassWildlife officers the opposite day acquired a name a couple of bear attacking and killing a goat.
“Bears are emerging from their dens, and they’re out and active,” Dave Wattles, black bear and furbearer biologist with MassWildlife, advised the Herald.
“People are starting to see bears again in their backyards, and it’s important for the public to start thinking about removing food sources that will attract bears,” he added.
There are not less than 4,500 black bears in Massachusetts, and their vary is increasing eastward.
In recent times, MassWildlife officers have responded to bear studies on the South Shore, in Lexington and Harmony, and in different jap Massachusetts spots.
“Every year we have bears popping up in eastern Mass., with the state’s increased bear population dispersing into the region,” Wattles mentioned.
Bears will usually ignore seasonally obtainable pure meals, like acorns, and nuts, in favor of a simple meal at a yard chook feeder. Then they’ll break into yard hen coops.
“Everyone always says a problem bear is getting into bird feeders and getting into chicken coops, but this is just bears being bears, and taking advantage of foods around homes,” Wattles mentioned. “If people clean up these food sources, the bears would just be feeding in the woods, and there wouldn’t be these issues.”
He urged individuals to take down their chook feeders. Those that take pleasure in watching birds of their yard can add a water characteristic or develop native crops, shrubs, and bushes to draw birds.
“Bird feeders are like the gateway drug for bears,” Wattles mentioned. “It trains them to keep coming back to homes, and serious conflicts can follow from that.”
Individuals with hen coops, bee hives and livestock ought to set up electrical fencing to guard them from bears, he added.
Additionally, in the event you come throughout a bear in your yard or on a path, give the bear house and slowly again up. Don’t be aggressive with bears, Wattles emphasised.
The Massachusetts Division of Transportation is urging drivers to watch out on wooded roads.
“In the spring, black bears leave their dens & look for food!” MassDOT Security posted. “Newly matured male cubs often cross roads between patches of forest, searching for their own territory. Mind your speed on wooded roads, use high-beam headlights responsibly, and scan road edges for movement!”
