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REGION- Spring means Michigan’s black bears (over 12,000 of them) are waking up hungry, and many are roaming with new cubs. With an incredible sense of smell, bears are easily drawn to bird feeders, trash, grills, and pet food—and once they find a food source, they remember it.
To avoid unwanted visits, remove bird feeders, clean grills, secure garbage, and don’t leave food outside. If a bear shows up, don’t panic, most will move on if food sources disappear.
If you encounter one, stay calm, don’t run, and slowly back away. And while cubs may look cute, never approach them, mom is never far away.
A few simple steps can keep both you and Michigan’s bears safe this spring.
Photo courtesy of the DNR.
