Become bear aware for the fall

Louisiana’s black bears have instinctively started preparing for winter. Their survival depends on gaining enough weight to tide their metabolisms over the seasonal food shortage.

In the fall, bears seek out every available food source. Although intentionally feeding wild black bears is illegal, problems still occur when people unintentionally allow bears access to garbage and other human related foods.

An amazingly acute sense of smell lures bears to food sources. Garbage cans are incredibly enticing because their contents contain discarded food that is higher in fat and calories than naturally occurring food sources.

Even pet food, bird feeders and outdoor grills can attract bears. If these aromatic items remain outdoors, bears will investigate. An easy meal is likely to prompt another visit. However, if they are unsuccessful in accessing food easily, they tend to move on and not return.

“Bears can be good neighbors, as long as they don’t learn to associate people’s homes with an easy meal,” says Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LWDF) Large Carnivore Manager Maria Davidson. “In fact, if everything goes well, you might not even know they are there.”

Bears are generally shy creatures; however, they possess a high level of intelligence, excellent learning skills and long-term memory capabilities. A regular food reward will overwhelm bears’ instinctive fear of humans and condition the critters to seek food near homes or campsites.

“Fear of humans is a bear’s most important survival mechanism,” Davidson says. “Once bears lose their fear of humans, there is little incentive for them to avoid circumstances that bring the two together. This could easily result in a dangerous situation for both people and bears.”

To avoid leading the bears into temptation and trouble, LDWF suggests campers and homeowners:

• Secure all garbage containers. Alternatively, deposit all edible waste in separate containers and store it in a secure area, where bears cannot gain access.

• Double-bag garbage and leave it inside until the morning of garbage pick-up. To limit the time a bear will have access to the food source, do not place the cans or bags out the night before.

• To further eliminate attractive odors, wash garbage cans regularly with disinfectant solution, bleach or ammonia.

• Limit the amount of time pet food is outside and take all foods in at night.

• Remove bird feeders or suspend them out of a bear’s reach at least 8 to 10 feet above the ground.

• To eliminate odors that will attract bears, clean grills after a cookout.

To report a bear problem, call 1-800-442-2511.

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