(WWJ) -- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources advises residents to put the bird feeders away.
The DNR says black bears may begin hibernating as early as October, which means they are already on the lookout for calorie-dense food to sustain them through the winter.
Residents should also be cautious about leaving out trash, pet food or barbecues with food on them.
“While foraging, bears may move into new areas in search of food or return to a location where they previously found a meal,” said Rachel Leightner, wildlife outreach coordinator for the Michigan DNR. “During this time, we ask everyone to consider removing their bird feeders and any other potential food sources until bears have entered their dens in December.”
Leightner added that bears should not eat from human-provided food sources because it will cause them to lose their fear of people, which “may lead to an unfortunate outcome for the bear.”
Black bear sightings are most common in west Michigan in the spring when young males set off on their own looking for food. The bears are generally not aggressive, but people should still avoid coming into contact with them.
For more information on black bears in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/DNR
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