Let neighbors know when bears in area.

BearWise #6

Alert Neighbors to Bear Activity

See bears in the area or evidence of bear activity? Tell your neighbors and share information on how to avoid bear conflicts. Bears have adapted to living near people; now it’s up to us to adapt to living near bears.

Don’t give a “traveling” bear an excuse to linger in your neighborhood!

Black bears live in the forests of the Southeastern U.S., and may travel across roads and through rural areas to find their natural foods in another forest area. You may be more likely to see them around your house during years when their natural foods are less available.

However, when bears start hanging out around homes, both residents and bears face problems. Once a bear spends more of its time in a neighborhood, its chances of survival drop.

Bears hanging around homes are

…More exposed to vehicle strikes; and
…Apt to be shot or trapped, legally or illegally; or
…May be removed by agencies to protect public safety

bear in window — This black has learn from other neighbors that homes can sources of food. (Photo: VDGIF)

Is your property BearWise?

When people intentionally or unintentionally feed bears, it can become a community-wide problem. You or your neighbors may be encouraging bears to hang around your area, which may affect you and your family.

First, make sure your property is BearWise:
- Is your garbage and recycling secure?
- Have you removed bird feeders when bears are active?
- Is your pet or livestock food secure?
- Is your outdoor grill clean and stored securely?
- Is there anything else in your yard that might attract foraging bears?
Let your neighbors know when bears are hanging around, and what you think might be attracting them.
Check with your local fish and wildlife agents about when and how to report problem bear activity.
Ask your local fish and game agent about becoming a BearWise community.

bear running in neighborhood

Sometimes bears are just traveling through

Seeing a black bear is a thrilling and rewarding experience.
The presence of bears is not necessarily a problem or a threat to your safety.