A black bear grabs a snack at Rocky Gap State Park. Photo by Ranger Sarah Milbourne.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation.
As the leaves change and the weather cools, bears will travel across roads more frequently. They also can become more attracted to human-provided food sources and lose their natural fear of people, which can be dangerous for both people and bears.
“During the fall, bears need to consume far more calories than during the spring and summer, consuming in excess of 20,000 calories a day,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director, Karina Stonesifer, said. “To keep everyone safe and our bears wild, residents should remove any food and attractants from their properties to mitigate potential human-bear conflict.”
Residents and visitors should note that keeping bird feeders, pet food, and trash in a place where bears can’t get to them is the best way to avoid problems. Marylanders should also delay filling songbird feeders until the winter months to avoid attracting bears.
Black bears in Maryland are concentrated in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties, but are known to roam into other northern and central counties, including densely populated areas.
Since bears may travel many miles in search of food, motorists traveling in Maryland’s western counties are reminded to watch for them crossing roads, especially during October and November.
Bears will begin entering dens in mid-November; and most will remain inside by mid-December.
More information about living with black bears can be found online, by calling 410-260-8540 or 301-777-2136, or visiting BearWise.org.
