Linked Header

Monday, October 5, 2009

Tips for Keeping Black Bears Out of Your Back Yard

The Department of Natural Resources is offering some tips to homeowners who may be getting unwelcome visits from wildlife. There have been a number of reports of bears, foxes and coyotes near homes in the Saint John and Fredericton areas. Bear management biologist, Kevin Craig, says homeowners need to realize that black bears are wild animals and demand respect.

Autumn is when black bears are most active in the province as they search for food to prepare for the winter ahead. Craig says if a bear comes in a yard, don't panic, just back away slowly and keep pets indoors. He says best way to avoid bear problems is by storing garbage in bear-proof containers or indoors, keeping garbage cans and BBQ areas clean and removing bird feeders at night.