This may be a good time to remind everyone of New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation's tips for avoiding Bear-Human contact:
Reducing Bear Attractants
Good housekeeping is a requirement wherever black bears are found. Simple sanitation measures can be the key to avoid attracting bears. Take responsibility for your safety and encourage your neighbors to do the same!
At Home:
Remove bird feeders after April 1. New York's black bears begin emerging from their winter dens in mid to late March. Bird feed such as suet and seeds are a very strong attraction for bears, even if they can't reach them. Read more about bears and bird feeders.
Garbage is extremely attractive to bears! It should always be kept in sealed garbage cans inside a sturdy building like a garage or shed. Anything with an odor can attract a bear. Note: Burning garbage is illegal and may increase its attractiveness to bears. Bear resistant trash cans are used all over the country to eliminate human-bear conflicts.
If you frequently find bears foraging in your garbage cans, despite proper storage, consider using a bear-resistant trash container.
Mask garbage odors with ammonia-soaked rags.
If you have curbside garbage pickup- take out trash just before your scheduled pickup. Do not put garbage at the curb the night before.
Do not place meat or bones in compost piles.
Remove the grease can from grills after every use. Turn the grill on "High" for several minutes after you are done cooking to burn residual odors off the grill.
Do not place food outside to attract wildlife. Any food items used to attract birds, squirrels, or other wildlife will also attract bears.
Do not feed pets outside. Leftover food or even an empty dish can attract a bear.
Do not operate refrigerators or freezers outside or on porches. Bears can smell what is inside.
Electric Fencing is an effective tool for keeping bears out of apiaries, chicken coops, compost, and gardens.
If you encounter a bear, what should you do?
Most black bears prefer to avoid humans.
Do:
Use noise to scare bears away: Yell, clap, make noise immediately upon sighting a bear near you..
Stay calm: Walk slowly backwards and speak in a loud and calm voice.
Leave slowly: Cautiously back away from the bear and leave the area.
Don't:
Approach, surround, or corner a bear: Bears aggressively defend themselves when they feel threatened. Be especially cautious around cubs as mother bears are very protective.
Run from a bear: They may chase.
Throw your backpack or food bag at an approaching bear: This will only encourage bears to approach and "bully" people to get food. By teaching a bear to approach humans for food, you are endangering yourself, other campers/residents, and the bears.
excerpt from:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6995.html
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