As the bears wake from hibernation, they have insatiable appetites. As a community, we must avoid training them to come here for a meal. Collectively, we can discourage bears from frequenting our grounds by not making it worth the effort: if they don’t find food here, they won’t come back.
Trash / food waste: please put out your trash and food waste as close as possible to our Monday and Friday trash collection… preferably first thing in the morning. If that’s not possible (maybe because you leave Sunday) please be sure you have locking trash cans, and avoid leaving very aromatic food waste outdoors. In the past, bears have torn off shed doors, torn apart bungee cords and locking trash cans to get to the contents. If a resident’s trash is raided by wildlife and scattered on the grounds, please remember that it is that resident’s responsibility to clean it up.
Bird feeders: Avoid mounting them if possible, especially during the Spring when bears are very hungry and other wild food sources haven’t sprouted yet. If you must have a bird feeder, please make sure it does not drop excessive amounts of seed / food on the ground as this will attract bears and rodents. Also, make sure your bird feeder is mounted in a manner that makes it difficult for non avian wildlife to access the contents. Bear in mind (pun intended) that bears are very good climbers, and it would be unfortunate if a bear climbed onto your deck for a bird seed picnic. Besides the obvious danger to humans, the bear would most likely return and ultimately end up being put down due to having grown accustom to seeing your deck as a restaurant.
Pet feeders: please avoid having outdoor feeding stations for your pets; just like bird feeders, these will attract bears.
For more information and suggestions, please visit the New York DEC web site here:
https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2022/4/dec-issues-guidance-to-reduce-conflicts-with-bears