PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Black bear season is rapidly approaching.
Black bears have spent the past several months not eating or drinking and surviving on their fat reserves, the Pennsylvania Game Commission wrote in a Facebook post. After months of nothing, they're ready to eat!
To keep black bears out of your backyard, the Pa. Game Commission offered the following tips:
- Take down your bird feeders.
- Secure garbage, recycling, and compost by storing it indoors (e.g., closed garage) until the morning or using bear-resistant containers.
- Feed pets inside. If pets must be fed outside, limit the time food is available and always clean up any mess left behind after a meal.
- Always clean grills of food residue and clean out grease catches after each use.
- Use electric fences to protect small livestock like chickens or apiaries.
Males are typically the first to emerge from hibernation, followed by subadults, then females with yearlings and lastly, females with new cubs.
For tools and resources on staying safe, click here.
