{"id":38537,"date":"2023-04-13T11:57:15","date_gmt":"2023-04-13T15:57:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/?p=38537"},"modified":"2023-04-13T11:57:15","modified_gmt":"2023-04-13T15:57:15","slug":"marylands-black-bears-emerging-from-winter-dens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/2023\/04\/13\/marylands-black-bears-emerging-from-winter-dens\/","title":{"rendered":"Maryland\u2019s Black Bears Emerging from Winter Dens"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bear County Residents and Visitors Urged to Keep Bears Wild<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\"Photo

A black bear finds a food source. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo<\/p><\/div>\n

Spring is a time for new growth and increased wildlife activity across Maryland\u2019s natural areas. In portions of the state, black bears have already emerged from winter dens, in search of easily accessible food sources. Relying on their powerful sense of smell, black bears are naturally attracted to items found on or near a residential dwelling such as birdseed, chicken feed, dog food, and even trash.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Homeowners who leave human-generated food sources out in the open may unintentionally draw bears to residential areas, and once a black bear finds an easy meal, they are likely to be repeat visitors. Young bears will quickly learn that the tastiest food comes from people, and exposure to these easy food sources will lead to a lifelong change in behavior that puts bears at risk.<\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0<\/span>Maryland Department of Natural Resources<\/span><\/a>\u00a0advises that residents and visitors of Maryland\u2019s bear country:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n