There was the black bear, relaxing poolside in a backyard in Otisville last June on a beautiful sunny day. The bear could be seen in a video that went viral relaxing in the yard, before it began to roam, smelling food that had been just discarded. The bear left the residence shortly after the visit. With bears coming out of hibernation, officials at the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are reminding residents to remove or secure outdoor food sources that may attract black bears. Throughout the spring and early summer months, black bears have depleted fat reserves and will search extensively for easily obtainable, calorie-dense foods, which can lead to an increase in the potential for human-bear conflicts near homes and residential areas, especially before the spring green-up when natural food sources for bears are scarce. Bear sightings are common in the Hudson Valley with the animals showing up in yards in neighborhoods from Monroe, to Wappingers Falls, to Warwick each year. Although bear sightings can be exciting, it is dangerous to approach the animals, and residents should keep their distance. Those who maintain bird feeders should begin emptying and cleaning spilled seed from feeders, and let nature feed the birds from spring through fall. Garbage and recycling cans should be secured or stored in a sturdy building. This is also a good time to clean or remove all residual grease and food from grills and smokers. Pet and livestock food should be kept indoors and those with chicken coops or apiaries should consider installing an electric fence to protect flocks and hives. Neighbors should alert neighbors to any bear activity so they can take these same precautions. Residents are also advised to never feed or approach bears. Feeding bears intentionally is dangerous and illegal. Bears that become habituated to being fed can become a threat to people and property.
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