As Maryland black bears emerge from hibernation, the state’s Wildlife and Heritage Service is warning people to keep food tucked away to avoid attracting them.
The department has advised residents to be vigilant and keep their garbage in a bear-proof bin or a locked shed, and to store their grills inside.
Bears in Maryland are most populous in four western counties Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington however in the coming months when the young, juvenile bears separate from their mother and find new territory, they can spread out all over the state, according to the news release.
The Wildlife and Heritage Service stated it is important to avoid man-made attractions for bears as it reduces the chance of “human-bear conflicts” as well as damage.
Between 2009-2019, there have been an average of 480 or more nuisance calls every year for bears as well as over $18,000 in agricultural damage, according to the Wildlife and Heritage Service.
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Maryland officials trying to limit bear-human conflict
Associated Press 1 hr ago
As Maryland black bears emerge from hibernation, the state’s Wildlife and Heritage Service is warning people to keep food tucked away to avoid attracting them.
In March and April, the bears began leaving dens after a four-month hibernation, and are searching for food.
The bears’ natural food sources, such as berries or nuts, will not be plentiful until later in the spring and summer, so they might be attracted to nearby “human-generated food sources,” according to a news release from the Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service.
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