Georgia DNR Alerts: Black Bear Sightings on the Rise

The start of spring brings milder temperatures and more time spent outside. This season signals the conclusion of hibernation for Georgia’s black bears and their eagerness to look for nourishment.

Experts in Georgia have alerted locals about a rise in black bear observations and provided guidelines to prevent possible interactions with these animals.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division notes that numerous wildlife species will be observable by the public, such as black bears searching for sustenance.

The black bear population in Georgia is approximately 4,100 across the state, as reported by the Georgia DNR. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division, being BearWise involves understanding how to act upon encountering a bear.

As anticipated, bears will likely be ravenous upon emerging from their winter dens, which typically leads them to seek readily available food sources quickly," explains Adam Hammond, the WRD State Bear Biologist. "Make sure your property doesn't turn into a bear feast area! Get acquainted with the BearWise Basics to minimize encounters between bears and human settlements, ensuring a more secure environment for all.

Below are some useful tips provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources:

• DO NOT PROVIDE FOOD TO OR GET CLOSE TO BEARS Feeding bears—whether intentional or not—teaches them to come near houses and individuals seeking additional meals. If someone comes too close, bears might protect themselves, so ensure you maintain personal safety as well as their welfare!
• SAFE FOOD, WASTE AND RECYCLING Food and food smells draw bears, so avoid enticing them with readily accessible food or trash.
• TAKE DOWN THE BIRDFEEDERS DURING TIMES WHEN BEARS ARE ACTIVE: Birdseed and various cereals contain a significant number of calories, which makes them highly appealing to bears. To prevent encounters with these animals, it’s advisable to take down feeders when bears are reported nearby.
• NEVER LEAVE PETS' FOOD OUTSIDE Feed your outdoor pets portions that they can finish during each meal, and promptly take away any leftovers along with their bowls. Make sure to keep this food securely stored to prevent attracting bears.
• CLEAN AND STORE GRILLS After using an outdoor grill, clean it meticulously to ensure all grease and fat is gone. Keep the cleaned grills and smokers in a safe location where they are protected from bears.
• INFORM NEIGHBORS ABOUT BEAR SIGHTINGS Share updates with your friends and neighbors regarding recent bear sightings and ways to prevent bear encounters. Bears have adjusted to human habitats; are you ready to adjust to theirs?

Bears that get access to food provided by humans frequently grow reliant on people for nourishment, which can result in damaging actions and might end with the bear's death," Hammond explained. "To prevent attracting bears, make sure your property and neighborhood are clear of temptations such as pet food and birdseed, thus discouraging them from staying around and breaking this pattern.

BearWise is an educational initiative providing comprehensive details about bears found in Georgia.

For more information, click here .