By Ann McCreary
Unseasonably warm weather means Washington’s black bears are on the move earlier than normal this spring, and wildlife managers have tips for avoiding conflicts with hungry bruins.
“Black bears usually start making an appearance in mid-to-late April, but warm weather can cause them to stir earlier,” said Rich Beausoleil, bear and cougar specialist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
“Black bears are hungry when they emerge from their dens, because they lose up to half of their body weight during hibernation,” Beausoleil said.
Wildlife officials have reports of bear activity in King and Chelan counties, he said. A sow and two cubs have been reported in Oroville, said Sgt. Dan Christensen, WDFW police supervisor for Okanogan County.
Garbage cans, backyard birdseed and pet food are the three primary attractants that draw bears to homes, Beausoleil said. Securing garbage cans, removing birdseed and not leaving pet food outdoors will help prevent most problems.
“Bears are naturally wary of humans but they can overcome that fear when they are rewarded with food provided intentionally or unintentionally by people,” Beausoleil said. “Situations involving bears that have learned to associate food sources with people often end up badly for the bear.”
Those situations can also be bad news for humans, because there are fines for leaving food or waste that can attract bears. Unintentionally or negligently feeding bears can result in a fine of $87. Feeding bears intentionally can carry a fine of up to $1,000.
More information about avoiding conflict with bears is available on WDFWs website at wdfw.wa.gov/living/bears.html.
