A black bear sighted on a property in Allegany County. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo.
In portions of Maryland, black bears have vacated their dens and started exploring the areas around them. Homeowners who leave human-generated food sources out in the open – like birdseed, chicken feed, dog food, and even trash – may unintentionally draw bears to residential areas. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources advises residents and visitors to avoid creating backyard bear attractions.
“After months of not eating or drinking, bears are hungry and in search of easy food,” said Jonathan Trudeau, Game Mammal Section Leader for DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service. “Black bears typically focus on finding water first and then high fiber foods, like skunk cabbage and grasses, but they will locate anything that resembles the scent of food. Once a black bear finds an easy meal, like a bird feeder or trash, they are likely to be repeat visitors.”…