Black Bear visits Bethel

Yes, there is a Black bear in Bethel

Recently, there have been several sightings of a black bear in Bethel. Seeing a black bear can be a thrilling and rewarding experience for some, but a terrifying experience for others. Portions of Bethel are still forested, providing a welcoming habitat to bears and other wildlife, but as development has expanded into our remaining forested areas, it was only been a matter of time before bear/human interaction would occur.

Like us, bears are driven by their need to eat. With their enhanced sense of smell (they can smell odors over a mile away), they have a keen ability to detect pet food, garbage, barbecue grills, compost piles, fruit trees and bird feeders – and once they locate a food source, they remember where it is. Bears are highly intelligent and adaptable, learning quickly to associate food with people. Bears are normally wary of people, but if a bear finds food without getting frightened away, the bear may come back for more. Each time this happens, the bear can become less fearful, and this habituation can lead to problems. Bear activity may intensify in the spring when bears are hungry and emerging from their dens, and in the fall when bears are bulking up for hibernation.

So, what to do? The following are some common suggestions:

Lawn

• Do not leave food from barbeques and picnics outdoors, especially overnight. Coolers
• Replace summer hummingbird feeders with hanging flower baskets, which are also attractive to hummingbirds.
• Eliminate birdfeeders or hang them 10 feet up and 4 feet out from the nearest trees.
• Use a rope and pulley system to refill birdfeeders. Where bears are a nuisance,
• Store pet food inside and feed pets inside.
• Pick fruit from trees as soon as it’s ripe, and collect fallen fruit immediately.
• Limit compost piles to grass, leaves and garden clippings, and turn piles regularly. Do
• Harvest garden produce as it matures.
• Do not put out feed for wildlife (like corn, oats, pellets or molasses blocks).
• Not making sufficient noise. 

• Approaching or surprising a bear at close range. 

• Getting close to a carcass or other food source. 

• Startling a female bear with cubs. 

• Hiking off trail or at night.

are not bear-proof. Clean the barbeque grill regularly with ammonia or bleach.

birdfeeders should be taken down between September and Dec. 1.

not add food scraps. Keep it aerated by turning it frequently and add some lime to

help speed up the decomposition process.

Garbage

• Keep garbage cans inside until the morning of pickup.
• Store recyclable containers, such as pop cans, inside.

Hiking - (from centerforwildlifeinformation.org ~ Be Bear Aware)

Whether you hike, mountain bike or ride horses, there are precautions you should take. Following the suggestions below will help make the journey safer for you, your companions, and wildlife. Remember, all wildlife can be dangerous. Please do not approach or feed wild animals, especially bears.

Common causes of attacks while hiking:

Reduce the risk of close encounters:

Let Someone Know where you are going and when you plan to return.

Keep Children Close to you and within your immediate sight at all times.

Make Noise: Talk, sing or clap your hands to let a bear know of your presence. Don't rely on bells; usually they are too quiet. Shout often, especially when traveling upwind, near streams and waterfalls, or when you cannot see the path ahead. Avoid thick brush.

Be Alert: Watch for bear signs such as tracks, droppings, diggings, rocks rolled over, scratch marks on trees and logs torn apart.

Don't Hike Alone or at Night: Bears are most active at dawn, dusk and night, but can be encountered any time. Groups of three or more people tend to make more noise and appear more formidable. This makes groups safer than solo hikers.

Stay on Trails for your safety and to protect the habitat.

Avoid Carcasses: Report dead animals to the Police Department. It is very risky to approach a carcass; a bear may be just out of sight, guarding its food.

Avoid Odorous Items: Leave foods and beverages with strong odors, scented deodorants and lotions and other odorous items at home. A bear’s acute sense of smell can detect odors from great distances. Dry foods are both lighter and less smelly.

Stay with Your Gear: Don't leave your packs, food or beverages unattended; even food or beverages stored under water may attract bears.

Taking Pets on Hiking Trails is Not Advised: Pets may attract bears. Keep your dog on a short leash to avoid conflicts with wildlife.

As a reminder, hunting and trapping wildlife in our land trust preserves is prohibited.

Don Warfield, President

Bethel Land Trust