The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wildlife managers has reported an increase in nuisance bears at this time of year. Bear sightings are more common in northern Minnesota, but they’ve also been spotted in the metropolitan suburbs. “Despite the mild winter, this is a tough time of year for bears,” said Jeff Lightfoot, DNR regional wildlife manager in Grand Rapids. “After hibernation, they’re hungry. When berries and vegetation are scarce, bears are often tempted by dog food, livestock feed, birdseed, barbecues, compost or garbage.” Residents who live close to bear habitat should check their property for food sources that could attract bears. “When human-related food is easy to find, bears stop seeking their natural goods,” Lightfoot said. “These bears eventually get into trouble because they return again and again.” These nuisance bears often end up dead bears, however, said Lightfoot. Bears that are trapped with human traps often are destroyed due to their nuisance, rather than relocated. The DNR can assign a licensed hunter or issue a special permit to shoot it, if individuals feel the bear must be killed. “If a bear enters your yard, don’t panic and don’t approach the bear,” said Lightfoot. “Always leave the bear an escape route. Everyone should leave the area and go inside until the bear leaves.” The DNR has given some tips for avoiding bear conflicts such as, do not put out feed for wildlife (corn, oats, pellets, molasses blocks), don’t leave food outdoors from barbeques or pinics; coolers are not bear-proof, store pet food inside and feed pets inside. DNR also recommend where bears are an issue, birdfeeders should be taken down from those sites between April 1 and December 1. If an individual has on-going problems with bears after cleaning up the food sources, they should contact a DNR area wildlife office for assistance.
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