WINTER 2002/VOLUME 16, NUMBER 1

Feeding Birds in Bear Country?


Alaska isn't the only place where bears cause problems at bird feeders. Wildlife agencies from the following states issue precautions when feeding birds in bear country: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, PA, WY.

These precautions may include one or more of the following:
· Discontinue feeding birds when bears are most active, generally late March through November.
· Bring feeders in at night, including hummingbird feeders.
· Hang feeders from a wire at least 10 feet above the ground and six feet away from tree trunks.
· Remove birdseed that has spilled from feeders onto the ground.
· Store birdseed indoors.
· Never hang your bird feeder on the porch.
· Never approach a bear that has been attracted to your yard.
For links to your state's wildlife agency, click here.

For permission to reprint all or part of this article, please contact Miyoko Chu, Editor, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd., Ithaca, New York. Phone (607) 254-2451. Email mcc37@cornell.edu