Remove Bird Feeders From April 1 to December 1 In Bear Areas

Let’s Avoid Conflict

Follow these guidelines to decrease the chance of conflicts with bears:

~Dispose of garbage frequently. Store it in clean, secure containers (top‐latched, tied, or chained). Don’t put garbage out at the curb the night before pickup.
~Feed pets indoors.
~Keep barbecue grills clean and stored inside.
~ Don’t feed birds from April 1 to December 1 if you live in an area where there are bears. If you see or suspect a bear near your home, remove your bird feeders for at least four weeks or until the bear is no longer in the area.
~ If you have livestock, dispose of animal carcasses immediately by burying or incinerating.
~ Support protecting and enhancing natural food sources in areas away from human habitation.

For more information about how you can help enhance bear habitat, visit the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department website. Please report any black bear incidents you may have had. To report a
backyard visit or damage caused by a bear, go to the Fish & Wildlife website for Wildlife Programs and fill in the form Black Bear Incident Reporting.

Above all, REMEMBER A FED BEAR IS A DEAD BEAR!

Visit these websites to learn more about black bears:

Be Bear Aware—
http://www.centerforwildlifeinformation.org/BeBearAware/bebearaware.html

Bear Wise—
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Bearwise/index.html

Help is Available
Persons suffering bear damage should contact the nearest Vermont Fish & Wildlife office or local state game warden prior to taking any control action on their own. Fish & Wildlife personnel will recommend appropriate measures or control strategies that can lessen the problem.

Producers of bees/honey, corn, fruit orchards, and livestock interested in learning more about black bear damage, its identification, what to do if damage occurs, and where to go for assistance should contact their local Vermont Fish & Wildlife local game warden:  www.vtfishandwildlife.com/about_staff.cfm