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All Iron Range towns are getting inundated with bears looking for food. While we wait for natural foods to produce, homeowners and visitors must remain vigilant to remove attractants such as garage, bird feeders, BBQs, or dog food.
Please follow the basic BearWise messaging: Never feed or approach bears
Intentionally feeding bears or allowing them to find anything that smells or tastes like food teaches bears to approach homes and people looking for more. Bears will defend themselves if a person gets too close, so don’t risk your safety and theirs!
Secure food, garbage and recycling
Food and food odors attract bears, so don’t reward them with easily available food, liquids or garbage.
Remove bird feeders when bears active
Birdseed and grains have lots of calories, so they’re very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creating conflicts with bears.
Never leave pet food outdoors
Feed pets indoors when possible. If youmustfeedpetsoutside,feedinsingle portions and remove food and bowls afterfeeding.Storepetfoodwherebears can’t see or smell it.
Clean and store grills
Clean grills after each use and make sure that all grease, fat and food particles are removed. Store clean grills andsmokersinasecureareathatkeeps bears out.
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.
For additional information or quotes you can utilize any of the material on the Living with Bears MN DNR page. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ livingwith_wildlife/bears/index. html#attractants https://bearwise.org/
