It’s springtime in Alaska, which means bears are coming out of hibernation. Early in the season, with natural foods scarce, hungry bears are looking everywhere to eat.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game wildlife biologists are reminding folks to bring in bird feeders, clean up spilled seed, secure trash and make sure that bear deterrents such as electric fences surrounding poultry and other small livestock are operational and turned on.
By keeping bears out of human-provided food sources now, keeping them from developing bad habits early on, we can prevent many other problems later on, for people and bears alike, ADF&G wildlife biologists said.
Garbage should be kept inside buildings or in bear-resistant containers, secured until the day of scheduled pickup. The public should clean barbecue grills, especially grease traps, after each use.
The public should feed pets indoors or clean up excess and spilled food between meals. Pet food, livestock food and birdseed should all be stored indoors or in bear-resistant containers.
