Don’t feed the bears

Hungry bears emerging from hibernation in rural RI

With the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) having received its first report of a bear sighting, DEM is reminding Rhode Islanders to remove potential food sources from their properties as black bears emerge from hibernation.

Increasing bear populations in Connecticut and Massachusetts have led to more frequent sightings in Rhode Island – especially in rural areas of Providence, Kent, and Washington counties.

Given the scarcity of food in the spring, black bears may visit bird feeders, beehives, chicken coops, rabbit hutches, and compost piles in search of food.

A black bear made its presence known yesterday, bending a backyard bird feeder in West Greenwich.

Black bears are generally shy and will avoid interactions with humans. However, they can become dependent on backyard food sources, if readily available, and quickly become a nuisance.

Black bears have an excellent sense of smell and will investigate odors they identify as an easy meal – and will regularly frequent a site once a food source is identified.

DEM reminds the public to become "bear aware" by:

• Removing bird feeders by early April and waiting until early November to put them up back up.

• Refraining from feeding pets outside, or if you do, taking pet food dishes inside at night.

• Storing birdseed, livestock feed, and garbage in buildings.

• Taking garbage out for pickup on the morning of collection – not the night before.

• Keeping barbecue grills clean of grease. Do not put meat or sweet food scraps in your compost pile.

• Using electric fencing around chicken coops, beehives, rabbit hutches, and livestock pens.

• Moving livestock into barns at night.

• Above all, DO NOT FEED BEARS. 

These are wild animals. An adult male typically weighs between 150 and 450 pounds, while females generally weigh between 100 and 250 pounds.

If a black bear is spotted on private property, people are advised to:

• Report the sighting to DEM's Division of Law Enforcement at 222-3070. DEM is working closely with local police to track bear sightings and complaints and educate people on how to safely coexist with bears.

• Do not panic. Bears are rarely aggressive toward people and will often leave on their own. After the bear leaves the area, food sources or any other item of attraction should be removed from the yard.

• Do not run away if you surprise a bear. Walk away slowly while facing the bear. 

In Rhode Island, black bears are protected animals. Intentionally feeding or shooting a bear is illegal.

The following steps will minimize the potential for bears attacking livestock or apiaries:

• Use electric fencing around pens or paddocks to protect sheep and goats and other small livestock.

• Move small livestock into barns at night.

• Secure grains and sweet feeds in buildings.

• Use electric fencing to protect apiaries and chicken coops.

For more bear facts, visit DEM's website. For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.