BEAR? WHAT PRECAUTIONS CAN I TAKE?

TO KEEP A BEAR OFF YOUR PROPERTY: Bears tend to go where there is a food source. It is illegal to put food out for black bears (and elk) in Pennsylvania. At this time of year the berries and fruits aren’t available, so they will seek other sources.

BIRD FEEDERS: If there is a bear at your bird feeders, take them down for at least ten days. This eliminates the food on the ground, thus removing the food supply. A bear will be attracted to any food source.

Ways to be proactive in preventing the bear’s presence:

---Make “water” balloons about the size of grapefruit, filling them with household ammonia or vinegar and smearing them with peanut butter. Hang them where you hang your bird feeders. When the bear goes after the peanut butter, he will get a distasteful mouthful.

---Clean your grill clean and store it inside. A bear will clean it for you if you neglect to do so.

---Protect your garbage.  

Note: baby bears, kicked out of the nest to make room for the next cubs, get nosy.

Visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission web site: http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/

Click on the Beanery Writers Online Magazine at ProBlogs.com/beanerywriters (you may need to cut and paste this site) to read two articles on black bears filed in the category Carolyn's Writings.