SOUTHWICK – With warmer weather approaching it’s common for homeowners to put birdfeeders out in their yards. But, state and local officials are cautioning people about their birdfeeders now that bears are coming out of hibernation.
According to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, black bears are now active and seeking food, especially in the areas of Northern Middlesex County, Worcester County, and Western Massachusetts. Currently, there are at least 4,500 black bears in the state.
Black bears are now out of hibernation and actively in search for food. (WNG File Photo)
Locally, animal control officers try to make the community aware of the best way to avoid bears in your backyard.
“You don’t want birdfeeders out at this time of year,” said Southwick Animal Control Officer Tracy Root.
Root explained that birds are content taking things out of their general area, including bugs and grass.
Root went on to say that people need to make sure that their trash is secure. Bears have a great sense of smell and will dig into the trash as well as dumpsters looking for food. Aside from making sure your domestic pets are monitored by their owner or kept inside, bears also love bees and chickens. Root added that she’s seen a number of bee hives destroyed over the years in Southwick due to bears.
It’s also important to note that young bears get kicked out by the care of their mother at two or three years old. As a result of that, Root said that they’ll go out in the wild realizing they have to fend for themselves and go into backyards to find food.
Besides securing your trash, being cautious of your pets, and small children, it’s all about being aware that the bear is in your backyard.
“If you know there’s a bear outside, be aware that they’re there,” said Root.
Anyone that has questions, comments, or concerns, contact Southwick Animal Control at 413-569-5348, ext. 649.
