World Bear Day!

This time of year bears are going to start emerging from their dens if they haven't yet already, and they are going to be looking for food. Bears are omnivores, so they will be looking for anything that it high enough in calories. Unfortunately this is when bear-human interaction can take place. Due to food shortages from drought and wildfires these last couple of years, bears are visiting urban areas more frequently since they can find an easy meal there.

However, there are easy ways to keep bears from wanting to visit your yard, and it's all about minimizing attractants. First, keep garbage inside your house or a shed until the morning of your garbage pick-up. This stops bears and other critters from making a mess and going through your garbage. And for those with fruit trees, collect or clean up any ripe or fallen fruit right away. Bears love their fruit and will linger if ripe fruit is easily accessible. Also, if you are going hiking, make sure you bring everything back that you brought, including all food and wrappers. Don't leave a trace.

These recommendation will help keep both people and bears safe, While bears might still wander through your yard, this will stop them from having a reason to come back. They do not want to be around people, but filling their bellies is their priority.