Take these steps now to prevent black bears from coming to your yard!

When natural foods are scarce, especially in the spring or dry summers, bears will venture into backyards and fields in search of easily accessible food such as bird feeders, garbage, grills and pet foods.

While hundreds of conflicts between bears and people are reported each year in Maine, many can be prevented by simply removing or securing common bear attractants. Removing these food sources will also limit other backyard visitors (raccoons, skunks, etc.).

Take these steps now to prevent conflicts with black bears in your own backyard:

– Take bird feeders down.
– Store seed and feeders indoors (you can still feed birds in the winter).
– Rake up bird seed from the ground.
– Store garbage cans in a building or enclosed by electric fence.
– Take garbage to curb on morning of pickup instead of the night before.
– Keep outbuilding and garage doors closed at all times and repair broken window and doors.
– Keep dumpster lids and doors closed and latched.
– Use bear-resistant dumpsters or garbage cans.
– Store grill inside when not in use.
– If you are having bear conflicts, stop grilling until bear moves on.
– Burn off food residue from your grill after use.
– Dispose of food wrappers and grease cups
– Bring Feed for your pets inside.
– Store livestock food inside.
– Keep livestock in buildings at night.
– Install and maintain effective fencing for livestock.
– Clean pet food dishes daily.
– Remove leftover food after feeding pets.

Maine is home to the largest population of black bears in the eastern United States. Black bears in Maine are most active between April 1 and November 1. While it is great to spot bears in the wild at a safe distance, you should never approach a bear, and should quietly back away and leave the area.