Allie Burhans·
Our Community
··2 min read

Be a Good Neighbor this Spring – Keep Bears Wild

With all the warm weather lately, we’re finally seeing the signs of spring at Sugarbush, and we’re not just talking about sunny days and soft snow. As temperatures rise and the days get longer, our furry friends in the wild are also beginning to wake up. Yep, it’s that time of year when bears are emerging from hibernation and looking for their next meal!

Keep Bears Wild!

While seeing a bear in the wild can be an exciting experience, it’s essential to remember that they are wild animals, and we need to give them plenty of space. Here are some tips to keep both bears and humans happy at home, from our friends at Bear Wise:

  1. NEVER FEED OR APPROACH BEARS: Intentionally feeding bears or allowing them to find anything that smells or tastes like food teaches bears to approach homes and people looking for more. Bears will defend themselves if a person gets too close, so don’t risk your safety and theirs!
  2. SECURE FOOD, GARBAGE, RECYCLING AND COMPOST: Food and food odors attract bears, so don’t reward them with easily available food, liquids or garbage.
  3. ALERT NEIGHBORS OF BEAR ACTIVITY: See bears in the area or evidence of bear activity? Tell your neighbors and share info on how to avoid conflicts with bears. Bears have adapted to living near people; now it’s up to us to adapt to living near bears.
  4. NEVER LEAVE PET FOOD OUTSIDE: Feed pets indoors when possible. If you must feed pets outside, feed in single portions and remove food and bowls after feeding. Store pet food where bears can’t see or smell it.
  5. REMOVE BIRD FEEDERS WHEN BEARS ARE ACTIVE: Birdseed and grains have lots of calories, so they’re very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creating conflicts with bears.
  6. CLEAN AND STORE GRILLS AND SMOKERS: Clean grills after each use and make sure that all grease, fat and food particles are removed. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.

Learn more about staying BEAR WISE

LEARN MORE

Coexisting with Bears – Being Responsible Neighbors

Join our friends and partners, the Mad River Valley Bear Initiative on April 10th from 6:30-8PM in the Schoolhouse at Lincoln Peak for a presentation about coexisting with bears and bear ecology with Sarah Crockett, M.D.

Sarah Crockett, M.D. is a physician and educator on bear coexistence mentored by the Kilham Bear Center.