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Drought Sends Bears Raiding Homes, Seeking Food
29 Aug
Summary
- Wildlands drought drives bears into urban areas searching for sustenance.
- BearWise program advises on differentiating defensive and aggressive bears.
- Avoid feeding bears, especially during drought to prevent future encounters.
The western United States is currently experiencing a devastating drought, which has impacted wildlands and depleted food sources for wildlife. This has resulted in a noticeable increase in bears venturing into residential and commercial areas, appearing on city sidewalks and even entering homes and shops in their search for sustenance.
In response to these heightened bear-human interactions, guidance from the BearWise program, a national initiative by the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, is being highlighted. Bear biologists recommend specific actions based on a bear's behavior. If a bear exhibits defensive signs like huffing or jaw clacking, remaining calm and playing dead if contact occurs is advised.
However, if a bear appears aggressive and predatory, the advice shifts to being assertive. This includes shouting, throwing objects, using bear spray, and fighting back if attacked. Experts emphasize that a bear's behavior, not its species, should dictate the response. It is crucial to avoid feeding bears, particularly during droughts, as this can lead to them associating human areas with readily available food sources, exacerbating the problem.
