Remove bird feeders while black bears prepare for hibernation

If you've been following along with Fat Bear Week2021hosted by the National Park Service, you know that this time of year, brown bears are packing on the pounds in preparation for a long winter spent in their dens. Here in Michigan, black bears are doing the same.

Blackbears likely willenter their dens for hibernation by December, but timing can vary depending on food availability.Bears may start entering dens in earlyOctober, with females typically entering dens earlier than males.Prior to hibernation, bears spend months foraging for foods rich in calories to bulk up their fat reserves. In the bear world, fat means survival, as they can lose up to one-third of their body weight during hibernation.

"While foraging, bears may move into new areas in search of food orreturn to a location where they previouslyfound a meal," said Rachel Leightner, wildlife outreach coordinator for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division."During this time, we ask everyone to consider removing theirbird feeders and any other potential food sources until bears have entered theirdens in December."

Bears also may be attracted to grillswith food debris, unsecured trashor outdoor pet foods.While outdoors raking leaves this fall, look around your yard and see what small steps you can take to help keep Michigan black bears wild. Additional tips and information about preventing potential conflicts with bears can be found at Michigan.gov/Wildlife.