See a bear? What do you do?

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) the bear population in the state has grown over the past two decades.

It is not rare for young bears to wander into and through populated areas.

People unknowingly make potential food sources for bears. The could increase the likelihood for human-bear encounters.

The most common items that attract bears to residential areas are food sources like unsecured garbage, bird feeders, feeding pets outside, and messy grills.  

Here’s some advice from the DEC to hopefully prevent bear encounter:

1. Remove bird feeders. Bird feed such as suet and seeds are a very strong attraction for bears, even if they can’t reach them. Read more about bears and bird feeders.
2. Secure trash cans. Garbage is extremely attractive to bears! It should always be kept in sealed garbage cans inside a sturdy building like a garage or shed. Anything with an odor can attract a bear. Note: Burning garbage is illegal and may increase its attractiveness to bears.
   1. If you frequently find bears foraging in your garbage cans, despite proper storage, consider using a bear-resistant trash container. View a list of bear-resistant products (leaves DEC website).
   2. Mask garbage odors with ammonia-soaked rags.
   3. If you have curbside garbage pickup– take out trash just before your scheduled pickup. Do not put garbage at the curb the night before.
   4. Do not place meat or bones in compost piles.
3. Remove the grease can from grills after every use. Turn the grill on “High” for several minutes after you are done cooking to burn residual odors off the grill.
4. Do not place food outside to attract wildlife. Any food items used to attract birds, squirrels, or other wildlife will also attract bears.
5. Do not feed pets outside. Leftover food or even an empty dish can attract a bear.
6. Electric Fencing is an effective tool for keeping bears out of apiaries, chicken coops, compost, and gardens.
7. Do not operate refrigerators or freezers outside or on porches. Bears can smell what is inside.

How to report a nuisance bear

1. When a nuisance bear presents an immediate danger to public safety, call 911; 
2. If a bear is damaging property or is reluctant to leave the area, but the situation is not an emergency, call the regional wildlife office during business hours, or the DEC Law Enforcement Dispatch Center at 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267); 

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