DEM: Remove Bird Feeders To Avoid Attracting Bears

The Rhode Island Department of Health reminded residents to bring in bird feeders for the season to avoid drawing bears to their backyard. Bear sightings have increased in recent years, the department said.

Black bears are a natural part of the ecosystem in Rhode Island, the DEM said, and are not generally aggressive towards humans. However, it's important to reduce food sources in backyards, such as pet food and bird feeders, so that the animals do not associate homes with places to eat.

"The best thing we can do for bears and Rhode Islanders is to keep bears wild, and deter them from hanging around homes," the department said.