GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – State DNR officials say it’s important to clean up leftover food and scrape down the grill following your Fourth of July celebration, otherwise, you may be attracting unwelcome visitors.
A forgotten burger or grease on the grill could be enough to entice a bear out of the woods and into your yard.
Scott Walter, State DNR large carnivore specialist, says specifically it’s cubs that most people are seeing.
“Those young bears and they are usually males, will disperse in search of their own territory or home range,” explains Walter. “And it’s usually those young males that wander into backyards.”
Recently, a camera captured a mother bear and her three cubs crossing Hilbert Road at the Little Suamico River in Chase
Additionally, a bear was spotted walking the grounds of a cabin in Townsend this past weekend.
According to Walter, it isn’t always even leftover food that attracts a bear, rather, a strong smell can often be enough.
“Even a grill that someone may have cooked on the previous weekend,” he says. “Those scents will draw the bears in.”
He adds that the “food” bears are seeking, aren’t always what we traditionally think of.
“If people feed their pets outdoors and there’s some dog food left in a dish,” he explains. “Garbage cans that are left open.”
DNR officials say that bear sightings have been reported all over the state, debunking the myth that they only venture out in the northern part of Wisconsin.
“It used to be thought that black bears are a species only of the Northwoods, but they have expanded into the central and southwestern counties,” says Walter.
As you would expect the summer is the most popular time for bear sightings as well.
Not only are they more active, but they also are more willing to venture out in increased distances.
“It’s also breeding season, so that is increasing activity,” explains Jeff Pritzl, with the state DNR. “Especially for males putting on more miles looking for receptive females.”
Officials say if you have a close encounter with a bear it’s advised to make yourself appear large, make loud noises, and report the bear sighting to local law enforcement immediately.
