Black bear handout page 1hoto by WD
Black bears are common throughout most of Washington, including suburban
areas and in greenbelts near cities and towns. They are omnivores and eat
just about anything they can get their paws on — primarily plants like berries
and nuts, but also insects, small mammals, fish, birds, and animal carcasses.
As Washington's human population grows, people and black bears have
greater chances of encountering each other. It's up to all of us to help keep
wildlife wild!
Prevention is key: secure potential
When preparing for hibernation in the fall and after waking in the spring, bears
look for high -calorie, easy -to -find food sources. All black bears hibernate in
some form. However, in areas with constant and predictable food sources
provided by humans, denning may be delayed or intermittent during winter.
Did you know?
Black bears are usually black but
can also be brown, cinnamon,
blond, or a combination of colors.
If black bears get used to finding high -calorie food in an area, they will keep
coming back. The best way to encourage them to move along and focus on �. ,y . More information is
natural food sources is by removing potential attractants. ? available at wdfw.
wa.gov/blackbears
You can help keep black bears wild by securing common backyard attractants: ❑' or bearwise.org.
• Keep your garbage and recycling locked up until trash day. _
• Take down seed and liquid bird feeders, and pick fruit trees.
• Clean your barbecue grill after each use and store it in a secure area.
• Feed pets inside if possible, or only put out a single serving and remove food and bowls when they're done eating.
• Store all pet, livestock, and human food where bears can't smell or see it. Never intentionally feed bears or allow
them to be comfortable around people — this can cause problems for both bears and people. (Not to mention,
it's against the law!)
Your trash is a bear's treasure
Unsecured garbage is one of the top causes of conflicts between black bears
and humans. Feeding or negligently attracting black bears is also illegal under
state law (RCW 77.15.790) and can lead to fines of up to $1,025.
Ask your local waste management company if bear -resistant containers
(BRCS) are available or if individually purchased BRCS are compatible with the
company's equipment. Secure your garbage and recycling cans, such as in a
shed or garage, and put them out the morning of pickup — not the night before.
To help reduce odors, freeze meat and fish waste before disposing of it.
Photo by WldeAwake Photography.
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