Commissioner Johnson Urges Bear Smarts
Editor’s note: This is good information, and we hope people will heed it. Bear in mind also: similar precautions are warranted with ALL wildlife. For the most part, fear of humans is one of an animal’s best friends, helping them avoid the kind of problems that can arise when interactions become too close.
by Catherine Lopez, Bernalillo County Public Information Department
Safer Community for Residents and Bears
Bernalillo County – Commissioner Wayne A. Johnson encourages county residents, especially those in the East Mountains, to take precautions with bears.
Residents are encouraged to make their homes and yards bear proof to increase safety for both bears and people.
“A bear’s eating behavior can alter after just one meal. Once the bear identifies a resident’s home as a source of food, it will continue to go back,” says Commissioner Wayne A. Johnson. “Eliminating their access to our trash is the number one thing people can do to prevent a problem.”
One of the biggest attractions for bears is unsecured garbage, and bears will often visit a same spot again and again. Other big lures for bears are bird feeders, pet food and barbeque grills.
A little prevention can go a long way. Residents should place bird feeders out of reach, and bring them in at night. Also, barbecue grills should be cleaned and stored; trash should be secured in a garage or shed; and garbage should be placed outside only the same day of pickup. Each of these steps can deter bears significantly.
The danger in attracting bears is that the animals can become comfortable with humans, which can lead to problems for people and these animals.
As bears get used to feeding off trash, they tend to become more bold and aggressive. Looking for more, they could start breaking into homes and cars and become less fearful of people.
Right now, bears are consuming anywhere from 1,500 to 4,000 calories a day. In a few weeks, they will begin to prepare for hibernation and will need to eat as many as 15,000 to 23,000 calories a day.
For more tips on bear proofing your home and yard, please visit www.bernco.gov.