Did you know that bird feeders are powerful bear attractants? They love black sunflower seeds like we love ice cream. Or that compost and fruit on the ground can draw a bear from a mile away? And that unsecured garbage cans full of rotten food are an open invitation for bears to dine?
A bear that hangs around your house, farm or business becomes conditioned to human food and the presence of humans. They lose their fear of people and human-bear conflicts are inevitable. Once a bear becomes a problem they cannot be relocated and are often killed. � A feed bear is a dead bear� so the saying goes.
GBOP developed the �Bear Smart Program� to provide folks with the information necessary to ensure the safety of humans and the welfare of bears. You are invited to apply for �Bear Smart Certification� by visiting the GBOP Bear Smart website www.bearinfo.org/bearsmart.htm.
Some bear smart tips include: pick ripe fruit from trees, feed birds in the winter when the bears are hibernating, don�t leave pet food outside, secure your garbage in a safe area or use a bear smart container. Enjoy the presence of bears without making them a nuisance.
photo credit: Jim Frick
written by Dennis Ryan; GBOP Okanogan County Field Coordinator