Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) While our parks serve as sanctuaries for wildlife, bears are not restricted to park boundaries. Seeing a bear in your backyard may be thrilling, but bears on private property can cause damage and be dangerous for both you and the bear itself. By following a few guidelines from the National Park Service, you can keep your home safe and do your part to help local bears stay wild.
One of the best ways to avoid attracting bears is to limit any food or garbage they can find on your property.
- First, never deliberately feed bears.
- Make sure your garbage and pet food are securely stored indoors, in a locked shed, or in airtight, bear-resistant bins until the morning of collection.
- Use bird feeders carefully during active seasons, and bring them inside if bears have been spotted in your area.
- Be sure any outdoor grills or barbecues are clean of any residue.
- Pick any fruits or vegetables from your garden as soon as they are ripe. Don’t leave rotten food on the ground.
For more information on local bears, visit nps.gov/subjects/bears.
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