WVDNR advises residents to remove bear attractants to prevent interactions

West Virginia (WOAY)- The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) is reminding residents to take precautions by removing bear attractants from their property. 

Purposely feeding a black bear is illegal in West Virginia. 

However, several people are unaware that they are attracting and feeding bears by leaving items outside their homes, such as bird feeders, pet food, food scraps, and unsecured trash. 

Bears are most active in this area from May to June.  

The WVDNR reports that they receive the most reports of human and bear interactions in April, when high-energy food sources like berries are scarce. 

Experts advise people to never approach bears and alert neighbors to bear activity in the area. 

To help prevent conflicts, the WVDNR encourages residents to follow BearWise principles:

1. Never feed or approach bears
2. Secure food, garbage, and recycling
3. Remove bird feeders when bears are active
4. Never leave pet food outdoors
5. Clean and store grills
6. Alert neighbors to bear activity

Visit wvdnr.gov for additional tips and more information.