Wildlife officials are sounding the alarm as black bears emerge from hibernation. They’re warning homeowners about what can attract bears to their property.
What’s happening?
A Maryland homeowner’s security cameras caught a black bear wandering across the driveway in April, according to the MoCo Show. The bear made its way over to the Montgomery County home’s trash and recycling bins, which were closed and secured, before strolling off the property. The bear was seen multiple times throughout town.
In a recent press release, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced black bears in the area had begun to vacate their dens after months of hibernation. Officials urged homeowners not to leave out items that could attract the animals.
Why are bear sightings more common?
Black bear sightings so early in the year are rare for the area, with Montgomery Parks saying most occur in June and July. However, last year, the group shared that “black bear sightings have become a common occurrence in Montgomery County between May and July.”
The department says the bears people are seeing are often young males “striking out on their own, sometimes traveling considerable distances in search of a suitable home range to call their own.” Officials say they’re looking for food…