Environment DEC
From the July 2009 issue
Tips for Preventing Human Encounters with Black Bears
Black bear populations in the southern range have been on the rise
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. Approximately 4,000 to 5,000 bears are found in New York's northern bear range, primarily in the Adirondacks. Approximately 1,800 to 2,500 bears live in the southern bear range, which includes the Catskills and parts of central and western New York. Bear populations, particularly in the southern bear range, have been increasing in number and expanding in distribution during the past decade.
Once a bear becomes a problem, DEC is often asked to intervene. However, bear relocations are rarely effective at solving the problem. Relocated bears often return to their original capture site or simply continue their bad habits at a new location. If the circumstances that led to the original problem are not corrected, other bears will be attracted to the site, and problems will persist. Bears often become bold and assertive in their quest for food, potentially leading to property damage or dangerous situations for humans. Unfortunately, this often results in DEC having to euthanize the bear, echoing the adage, "a fed bear is a dead bear."
Residences
- Never feed bears.
- If you believe that bears are being fed by others, immediately report it to DEC.
- Stop feeding birds as soon as the snow melts, and clean up all traces left from winter feeding as the smell will attract bears.
- Sprinkle ammonia inside garbage bags, and tie them off before putting them into secure containers stored inside buildings.
- Put garbage out just before pickup, or place it in a roadside, bear-resistant container, and 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 nightfall, and, after they cool down, store them inside.
- Feed pets indoors and store pet food indoors.
- Turn off kitchen exhaust fans that vent to the outside.
Campsites and Hiking Trails
Bear-resistant canisters are a must while camping to protect people--and bears
- Store food, toiletries and garbage in bear-resistant containers or "food hangs" suspended 15 feet above the ground and 10 feet away from trees, using a dark-colored, 75-foot-long cord.
- Keep food in hangs or in bear-resistant containers at all times, taking down only what is needed for a meal.
- All overnight campers within the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness of the Adirondack Forest Preserve must use bear-resistant containers.
- 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.
- Cook no later than 5 PM.
Developed Campgrounds
- 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.
- Store food and coolers in locked food lockers where provided.
- 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 water faucets.
- 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.
- Keep campsites as clean as possible; take all garbage and recyclables to the recycling center each day by 8 PM.
