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Environment DEC


From the June 2007 issue

How to Prevent Conflicts with Black Bears and Coyotes

a black bear in tall grass
People and bears can coexist peacefully with a few precautions

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reminds campers, hikers and homeowners to take precautions against encounters with black bears while enjoying the outdoors, particularly in the Adirondack, Catskill and Allegany regions of New York State. Also, New Yorkers may see coyotes more frequently during the spring and early summer because they will be raising their litters. To follow are some recommendations on how best to avoid conflicts with these animals.

Deterring Bears Around Residences

Because virtually all nuisance bear problems are the result of hungry bears being attracted to human food, pet food, bird food or garbage, chance encounters can be minimized by taking some simple precautions:

  • Never feed bears-it's unwise, in many circumstances illegal, and it causes and perpetuates nuisance bear activity;
  • If you believe that bears are being fed intentionally or unintentionally, immediately report it to DEC;
  • Stop feeding birds as soon as snow melts. Birds do not need supplemental food in the summer when natural foods are most abundant. Clean up all seed fragments and shells left over from winter feeding, as the smell will attract bears;
  • Dispose of garbage as frequently as possible. Store it in clean, secure containers (top-latched, tied or chained). Tie off garbage bags before placing them in a container;
  • Keep garbage in cans inside of buildings whenever possible;
  • If garbage is picked up at the curb, put the garbage out just before the scheduled pickup or place it in a roadside bear-resistant container. Do not put garbage out the night before curbside pick-up;
  • Clean garbage cans frequently with ammonia;
  • Do not add meat scraps, bones or melon rinds to your compost pile;
  • Do not burn garbage, especially meat scraps and grease;
  • Clean barbecue grills before and after use and, after they cool down, store them inside;
  • Feed pets indoors and store pet food indoors. If pets must be fed outdoors, take in all uneaten food and dishes before dark, and
  • Turn off kitchen exhaust fans that vent to the outside whenever possible.

Deterring Bears When Camping or Hiking

Hikers and campers can avoid negative encounters with bears through the proper storage and management of bear attractants such as food and trash:

  • Keep food, toiletries and garbage in bear resistant containers at all times, opening a container only when necessary. Bear resistant canisters are highly effective at preventing bears from getting into food, toiletries and garbage;
  • Bear resistant containers must be used by all overnight campers within the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness Zone of the Adirondack Forest Preserve;
  • If you have no choice but to hang your food, toiletries and garbage, use a "food hang" with a dark colored cord. The cord should be 75 feet long and the bag should be hung 15 feet above the ground and at least 10 feet away from other trees;
  • Never leave food unattended unless it is in a bear resistant container or in a food hang;
  • Never cook or eat in your sleeping area, and
  • Cook early.

In developed campgrounds, campers should follow these rules:

  • Do not leave coolers or food out at any time. Store them securely in either the trunk of your car or in the passenger area of your truck. Keep windows shut and food and coolers out of sight;
  • Where food lockers are provided, food and coolers must be stored and locked inside;
  • Clean up immediately after all meals;
  • Keep grills, pots, pans, cooking utensils, and wash basins clean when not in use;
  • Do not wash dishes under the drinking water faucets at campgrounds;
  • Do not put grease, garbage, plastic diapers, cans, bottles or other refuse into the fireplace;
  • Do not keep food or coolers in your tent;
  • Do not wear clothing to bed that was worn while preparing or eating meals, and
  • Keep campsites as clean as possible. Bring all garbage and recyclables to the recycling center each day by 8 PM.

While these rules must be followed at DEC campgrounds, campers at other private and public campgrounds are also strongly encouraged to follow these practices to avoid bear encounters.

The glimpse of a black bear at a distance can be a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience; close encounters with bears, however, should be avoided. Never approach or surround a bear, as bears aggressively defend themselves when they feel threatened or cornered. Be cautious around cubs, as adult female bears are protective of their young.

Do not throw backpacks or food bags at an approaching bear, this practice will only encourage bears to approach and "bully" people to get food. Use noise to scare bears away - yell, clap or bang pots immediately upon sighting a bear near your campsite. Never run from a bear. If you feel threatened, back away slowly while yelling at the animal. Avoid walking trails at night to prevent chance encounters.

Encounters with Coyotes Increase in the Spring


DEC estimates there are 30,000 coyotes statewide

Coyotes live throughout upstate New York and the period from April through June is the peak of their pup-rearing activity. Coyotes have a high demand for food at this time of the year, and residents are more likely to see coyotes because of their increased activity.

Coyotes are seen in both developed and rural areas. Homeowners should take sensible precautions to avoid attracting coyotes to their property. DEC has issued the following recommendations to reduce the chances for a negative encounter with a coyote:

  • Never feed or attempt to get close to a coyote;
  • Keep pets under control, and be sure not to leave them out at night. Coyotes may kill or injure a pet, especially small dogs and cats. Walk your dog on a leash and accompany your pet outside, especially at night. Provide secure shelters for poultry, rabbits, and other vulnerable animals;
  • Control sources of food that may attract a coyote: keep your trash secure and compost bins covered; stop feeding birds as soon as the snow melts and clean up all seed fragments and shells left over from winter feeding as the smell may attract coyotes; and keep dog and cat food bowls inside. Coyotes that rely on wild food sources remain wild and wary of people;
  • Coyotes like areas where they can hide, yet still be near food. You can help deter coyotes by thinning brushy areas in your yard and closing off crawl spaces. Coyotes may use areas under outbuildings for resting or raising young, and
  • If others in your neighborhood are attracting coyotes, tell them about the hazards posed by coyotes and ask them to take the measures recommended above.

Never try to get close to a coyote. Any coyote that shows unusual boldness or acts tame should be avoided. Coyote attacks directed towards people have occurred in the western United States, and aggressive coyote behavior has also been reported in the eastern United States and in New York State.

Should anyone notice a coyote acting strangely or causing a nuisance, call the nearest DEC regional office to report the animal.

For more information on coyotes and preventing conflicts with coyotes in New York State, see Coyote Conflicts on the DEC's website.

For additional information about bears in New York State and the initiatives DEC is employing to help study and manage the population, see Black Bear on the DEC's website.