IDAHO, USA — As the weather changes, and spring makes its way to the state, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is reminding people that wildflowers, and bears, are starting to emerge. The department stated it's important for people to be extra careful about food and trash during this time.
"We all know it never ends well for the bear who becomes habituated to human food. We’ve all heard the saying “a fed bear is a dead bear” which is an unfortunate reality," the department said.
IDFG said black bears, that live in south-central Idaho and other parts of the state, are emerging from hibernation and will be super hungry, looking for food everywhere.
"After spending the winter months burning their fat reserves hibernating, black bears will immediately start looking for food, mostly spring grasses, but pretty much anything that can provide easy calories. During hibernation, boars (male) black bears usually lose 15-30% of their body weight, while sows with cubs can lose up to 40%. After emerging from hibernation, black bears are on a quest to eat between 15,000 – 20,000 calories a day to build up their fat reserves, which means they are constantly searching for food," the department said.
Further, the department said bears can smell for miles, so try to keep trashes closed. If a bear does come into your space, try to dissuade it from coming back.
"Allowing bears to become comfortable living in your neighborhood could be a death sentence - for the bear. While a bear in your yard might be exciting, you must do your part to keep the bear wild," IDFG stated.
The department recommends making a lot of noise to scare the bear away.
People can learn more here.
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