As winter’s last vestiges bid farewell, Franklin County residents and the surrounding areas are prompted to remain vigilant as the local bear population wakes from their winter slumber. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office took to social media to remind the public that spring does not only bring blooming flowers and warmer weather but also the emergence of bears on the lookout for much-needed sustenance. According to the City of Columbus Government’s recent post on social media, these creatures are inclined to roam further afield in search of food after months of fasting in their dens.
While human-bear encounters are relatively rare, the Sheriff’s Office emphasizes the significance of adopting preventative measures to reduce the potential for such encounters. These include securing garbage, removing bird feeders, and cleaning grills, which, if left unattended, can attract bears to residential zones. The bears may seek accessible food sources, so residents must proactively limit attractants. They also offered further advice for ensuring safety around the awakened wildlife, directing the public to more in-depth guidance…