For Release: Wednesday, January 16, 2008

DEC Seeks Public Input on Black Bear Management

Meeting Scheduled in Gloversville on January 23

A public meeting on black bears will be held by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) on January 23, in Gloversville, NY. DEC Region 5 wildlife staff will provide an overview of the natural history and current status of black bears and seek public input on sharing the landscape with bears and future management of the bear population. The meeting will start at 7 PM at the Gloversville Senior Center, 53 Church Street, Gloversville, NY.

Black bears have always been found in the Adirondack Mountains, but in recent years they have been expanding their range in Washington, Saratoga, and Fulton Counties. While wild black bears typically pose little risk to people - and generally avoid them - interactions and issues can arise when numbers grow.

"The black bear is a natural component of the woodlands of New York, and it is encouraging to see that conservation efforts and changes in habitat have resulted in a healthy and thriving bear population,'' said Regional Director Betsy Lowe. ``However, there are areas where human development or land use make bears a difficult fit."

After dramatic reductions in the black bear population in the 1800s, conservation measures paved the way for a comeback. Bears have had secure populations in the Adirondacks, Catskill and Allegany Regions for many years. However, n the last few decades they have been expanding into surrounding areas, taking advantage of the reforestation of much of New York. DEC estimates that in the last 12 years alone, black bear population has grown from an estimated 4,000-5,000 statewide to 6,000-7,000.

Black bears can be a serious problem for farmers and homeowners. This is particularly true if people aren't aware of appropriate behaviors and practices to avoid negative encounters with bears.

Homeowners must avoid attracting bears and providing them a food source. Once bears obtain easy meals they can develop increasingly bold behavior in search of food, becoming chronic nuisances or in rare instances posing a risk to domestic animals or people. Common attractants are garbage, bird food, pet food, and greasy BBQ grills.

More information on black bears, avoid problems with bears, and bear management may be found on the DEC web site at: www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6960.html