Among the wildlife becoming more visible as the weather gets warmer in Pennsylvania are roughly 15,000 black bears, all of which will be looking for food.

Food for bears is typically scarce in the spring until vegetation begins to green-up, but bears emerging from dens need to find food after fasting for several months. Therefore sightings and, in some cases, conflicts increase as bears look for food, including in backyards.

Food placed outside for any reason - whether it is food for wildlife or pets or unsecured garbage -- is food available for bears. Homeowners should begin now to remove food sources or make them unavailable to bears

The Pennsylvania Game Commission suggests:

Do not feed wildlife. Food placed outside for wildlife, such as corn for squirrels, may attract bears. Even bird feeders can become "bear magnets." If you do chose to feed songbirds during the summer, Pennsylvania Audubon offers some tips, including: avoid foods that are particularly attractive for bears, such as sunflower seeds, hummingbird nectar mixes or suet; bring feeders inside at night; or suspend feeders from high crosswires so they are at least 10 feet above the ground and four feet away from anything a bear can climb, including overhead limbs.

Keep it clean. Don't put out garbage until pick-up day; don't throw table scraps out back; don't add fruit or vegetable wastes to your compost pile; and clean your barbecue grill regularly. If you have pets and feed them outdoors, consider placing food dishes inside overnight. Encourage your neighbors to do the same.

Keep your distance. If a bear shows up in your backyard, stay calm. Shout at it like you would to chase an unwanted dog. Don't approach it. If the bear won't leave, call the nearest Game Commission regional office or local police department for assistance.

Eliminate temptation. Bears that visit your area are often drawn there. Neighbors need to work together to reduce an area's appeal to bears. Promptly report road-killed deer to ensure their quick removal. Ask area businesses to keep dumpsters closed and bear-proofed (chained or locked shut).

Check please! If your dog is barking, or cat is clawing at the door to get in, try to determine what has alarmed your pet. But do it cautiously, using outside lights to full advantage and from a safe position, such as a porch or an upstairs window. All unrecognizable outside noises and disturbances should be checked, but don't do it on foot with a flashlight. Black bears blend in too well with nighttime surroundings providing the chance for a close encounter.

Get Back. If you have surprised a bear, slowly back away while talking softly. Face the bear, but avoid direct eye contact. Do not turn and run; rapid movement may be perceived as danger to a bear that is already feeling threatened. Avoid blocking the bear's only escape route and try to move away from any cubs you see or hear. Do not attempt to climb a tree. A mother bear may falsely interpret this as an attempt to get at her cubs, even though the cubs may be in a different tree.

Pay Attention. If a bear is displaying signs of nervousness with your presence, such as pacing, swinging its head, or popping its jaws, leave the area. Some bears may bluff charge to within a few feet. If this occurs, stand your ground, wave your arms wildly, and shout at the bear. Turning and running could elicit a chase and you cannot outrun a bear.

Fight Back. If a bear attacks, fight back as you continue to leave the area. Bears have been driven away with rocks, sticks, binoculars, car keys, or even bare hands.

To report nuisance bears, contact the Game Commission Region Office nearest you. The toll-free numbers are: Northwest Region Office in Franklin, 1-877-877-0299; Southwest Region Office in Ligonier, 1-877-877-7137; Northcentral Region Office in Jersey Shore, 1-877-877-7674; Southcentral Region Office in Huntingdon, 1-877-877-9107; Northeast Region Office in Dallas, 1-877-877-9357; and Southeast Region Office in Reading, 1-877-877-9470.

For more information, visit the Black Bears webpage on the Game Commission website.

4/22/2005