(KNSI) – Minnesota wildlife officials are warning about bears causing damage as the hungry animals awake from hibernation.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says as bears emerge from hibernation, their metabolism gradually ramps up, and they will begin looking for food at a time when berries and green vegetation are scarce.
Home and cabin owners should remove or secure attractants like birdseed, garbage, livestock feed, or compost to reduce potential conflict.
“To avoid season-long problems, take the time now to remove or secure anything that could attract a bear,” said Eric Nelson, wildlife damage program supervisor for the DNR. “Prevention is key. Once a bear finds a food source, it will likely return.”
Black bears live in the forested region of northern Minnesota but can live anywhere they find food.
Officials say bears are usually shy and flee when they come across people. Never approach or try to pet a bear.
Violent bear encounters are rare, but bears are potentially dangerous because of their size, strength, and speed.
Over the last couple of years, bears have been sighted near the St. Cloud area.
In June of 2020, a bear was spotted multiple times around a wooded area north of Pinecone Central Park in Sartell.
In August 2018, a bear was spotted near St. John’s University in Collegeville.
In June 2016, a black bear was spotted near the home of a rural Sauk Rapids couple.
Avoid bear conflicts by following these tips:
Around the yard:
Any time you feed birds, you risk attracting bears. Avoid feeding birds from April 1 to Nov. 15.
If you still wish to feed birds, hang birdfeeders 10 feet up and 4 feet out from the nearest trees.
Use a rope and pulley system to refill bird feeders and clean up spilled seeds. Do not leave feed out for wildlife (like corn, oats, pellets, or molasses blocks).
Replace hummingbird feeders with hanging flower baskets, which are also attractive to hummingbirds.
Do not leave food from barbeques and picnics outdoors, especially overnight. Standard coolers are not bear-proof-clean and store barbeque grills after each use. Store them in a secure shed or garage away from windows and doors.
Elevate bee hives on bear-proof platforms or erect properly designed electric fences. Pick any fruit left on trees from last fall and collect any fallen fruit promptly.
Cover all compost material added during the winter by turning the piles or covering with leaves, shavings, manure, or other compostable material.
If you compost household food scraps, consider securing them with an electric fence.
Harvest produce as it matures. Locate gardens away from forests and shrubs that bears may use for cover.
Use native plants in landscaping whenever possible.
Store pet food inside and feed pets inside. If pets must be fed outdoors, feed them only as much as they will eat.
Garbage:
Store garbage in bear-resistant garbage cans or dumpsters. Standard rubber or plastic garbage cans are not bear-proof.
Keep garbage inside a secure building until the morning of pickup.
Properly rinse all recyclable containers with hot water to remove all remaining products-store recyclable containers, such as pop cans, inside.
For more information, contact the DNR at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367, or find wildlife area office contact information on the DNR website.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!