LITTLE CHUTE, WI (WTAQ) – Police are saying that a black bear has been spotted in Little Chute.
According to the Fox Valley Metro Police Department, the black bear was spotted Tuesday morning by one officer east of Cherryvale Ave.
The department says the bear does not pose an immediate threat to the public, but the public is encouraged to contact police or the state DNR if they spot a bear in a residential neighborhood.
“While the bear was just minding it’s own business and did not pose an immediate threat to the public, we would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that bear sightings in residential areas are becoming more common. This time of year bears are becoming more active and seeking food. If you see a bear in your neighborhood, please contact us or the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources,” the Facebook post states.
DNR officials say the key thing for the public to remember is to put away food so bears stay in the woods and away from the cul-de-sacs.
“They’ll look for any food sources they can find out there,” says Brad Koele, DNR wildlife damage specialist. “Birdseed, even if there’s only some leftover residue in the bird feeder.”
And they’ll gladly pick at anything still sitting out from that evening’s family barbecue.
“They’ll check that out, grilling residue or food residue left on the grill,” he explains.
Technically, it doesn’t even have to be “leftover” food that can attract a hungry bear.
Any discarded food that’s placed in the garbage can and set at the bottom of the driveway is essentially a personal buffet fit for one.
“If you can, keep that garbage can inside the garage and put it out the morning of pick up,” he explains.
If that’s not possible, he recommends putting a bungee cord over the garbage can to prevent a bear from getting inside.
DNR officials say that once bears get food from one location they will keep returning in search of more.
If a bear does show up on your front step, it’s not a selfie opportunity.
“Make loud noises, try to reinforce that fear of humans and scare that bear off,” explains Koele.
Ideally, stay a safe distance away when doing so and wave your hands around while making noise to help get the bear moving.
Spring is actually the most popular time for bear sightings in residential areas throughout the state, because food can be hard to come by right now in the wild.
According to Koele, the DNR will receive anywhere from 600 to 800 calls each year in regards to close encounters with bears.
