MassWildlife is urging residents in Worcester County, northern Middlesex County, western Massachusetts and other areas where bears have been spotted to take steps now to avoid conflicts as black bears emerge from winter dens and begin searching for food. State wildlife officials said March is when hungry bears emerge from their dens and start looking for easy meals around homes and neighborhoods.
The agency said bird feeders should be taken down because bears will often bypass natural foods such as skunk cabbage, acorns and nuts in favor of seed from backyard feeders. Officials also warned that coops and chicken wire are not enough to protect backyard chickens, bee hives or other small livestock, and recommended properly installed and maintained electric fencing instead.
MassWildlife also advised residents to secure other human-associated food sources on their property by storing garbage in closed containers inside a garage or outbuilding and placing it curbside only on pickup day. The agency said grills should be cleaned after each use and compost piles should not include meat scraps, greasy, or sweet materials.
Officials also advised dog owners to check their yards for bears before letting their dogs out because the presence of a dog could startle a bear into an aggressive state. In addition, dog owners are advised to keep their dogs leashed and to never allow their dogs to chase or interact with bears.
According to MassWildlife, there are at least 4,500 black bears in Massachusetts, and their range is expanding eastward.
For more information about black bears in Massachusetts, visit the state’s website at mass.gov/bears.
