Spring Alert: Virginia DWS Urges Residents to Secure Food from Hungry Bears

Spring is here, and that means black bears are waking up from their winter hibernation in Virginia. As they come out, they’re always on the lookout for food. Carl Tugend, the Black Bear Project Leader at the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), emphasizes that residents should take steps to prevent bear encounters by securing food sources around their homes.

In early spring, natural food can be hard to find, which drives bears to search for easy meals. This can include your garbage, birdseed, pet food, and even leftovers on your grill. By keeping these items secured, you help guide bears back to their natural foraging habits.

Bears are usually wary of humans, but if they find food, they might start visiting homes more frequently. The DWR outlines a few simple actions to keep bears at a distance:

• Store trash in bear-resistant containers or keep it locked up until collection day.
• Take down bird feeders until the fall; there are ways to attract birds without attracting bears.
• Keep pet food indoors and secure livestock feed in sturdy containers.
• Clean outdoor grills and decks to remove any food traces.
• Never leave food in parked vehicles.

In 2024, there were nearly 2,200 calls related to bear conflicts in Virginia. A significant number of these concerns were about unsecured trash (30%) and bird feeders (10%). As raising backyard chickens becomes popular, calls regarding chickens and their feed have also increased, accounting for 5% of all bear-related calls. Avoiding these attractants can help reduce bear conflicts.

Another important thing to note is that spring is also when mother bears and their cubs emerge. Cub separation can happen, and it’s crucial not to intervene if you see cubs alone. They are skilled climbers and often go up trees for safety when they sense danger. If you spot cubs, it’s best to distance yourself quietly to allow the mother bear to return without feeling threatened.

Ignoring the impulse to handle a cub is vital for their safety. If a cub seems injured, lethargic, or remains in one spot for more than 24 hours, residents should contact the DWR Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003 for assistance.

As the bear population grows, awareness is key. In Virginia, the black bear population is estimated to be around 20,000, marking a significant recovery since the mid-20th century when they faced severe habitat loss. Today, these bears are not just a part of Virginia’s ecosystem; they are a symbol of the state’s commitment to wildlife conservation.

For more tips on coexisting with bears, you can check out the DWR website. By taking simple actions, we can help keep bears wild in their natural habitat.

Check out this related article: How IRIS and New Haven Food Pantry are Overcoming Federal Funding Cuts to Feed Our Community