BEAR RUN-INS COMMON THIS TIME OF YEAR
Friday, July 1st, 2005 -- 11:07 AM
This is the time of the year when bears are on the move, and we?ve had plenty of reports of bear-encounters in our area, including an actual bear break-in near Willard a few years ago where a family returned home to find a bear in their kitchen.The DNR wants you to know how to stay safe. Wildlife biologist Michelle Windsor says bears are becoming more common in Jackson and Clark County, but actual bear encounters have actually decreased over the last year.
If you know there?s a bear in your area, you shouldn?t leave it food, for instance: take down bird feeders and bring in pet food at night and garbage shouldn?t be left outside overnight.
"Bears are driven strictly by their stomachs," Windsor says. "They're going to come in and look for the easisest sources of food. If they get an easy source of food, they'll just move on."
Should you encounter a bear, experts say you shouldn?t panic, don't shoot, and don't approach the bear. Most bears fear people and will leave when they see you. If a bear woofs, snaps it jaws, slaps the ground or bluff charges you are too close; back away slowly, go inside and wait for the bear to leave.
"If you see a bear, make your presence known. Make a lot of noise and then leave the bear alone," Windsor says.
If problems persist it is possible to call for assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture at 1-800-228-1368.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.