Wildlife Agencies Warn of Rising Bear Encounters

Wildlife agencies across several states are warning that black bears are in hyperphagia, a period of intense feeding before winter that can bring them into neighborhoods, parks, campsites and onto roads. Bears may consume as much as 20,000 calories a day while searching for food, and poor natural food supplies have contributed to increased encounters in some areas. Bird feeders, pet food, unsecured garbage and compost can attract bears and encourage them to return; officials urge residents to secure or remove these food sources and check around homes for possible den sites. Residents should stay alert, especially at dusk and dawn and when driving, and give bears space—recent encounters have included a bear attack that seriously injured two people in Idaho.