Rhode Island is our smallest physical State and is highly urban........Nonetheless, it is seeing an increase in Black Bear numbers..........The State's Dept of Environmental Mgmt is adroitly and humanely seeking human/bear co-exsistance through a published list of "do's and dont's when living in Bear Country

Black bear population on the rise

Officials offer tips on how to co-exist

• Melissa Sardelli

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The black bear population is one the rise in Southern New England, according to the Department of Environmental Management (DEM).  Experts say black bears are generally shy and avoid human interactions with humans; however, if they become dependent on backyard foods they can become a nuisance. With the increase bear presence in our area, DEM officials are offering tips on how to co-exist with them.
Tips on co-existing with bears:

• Take down bird feeders in early April and do not put them back up until November 1st. Once a bear has located a bird feeder it will return for an easy meal.
• Do not feed pets outside, or, if you do, take pet food dishes inside at night.
• Store garbage in sheds and garages so that it is not accessible to bears or other wild animals.
• Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection, not the night before.
• Keep barbecue grills clean of grease.
• Do not put meat or sweet food scraps in your compost pile.
• If you see a bear on your property, you can leave it alone and wait for it to leave, or scare it away.
• If you surprise a bear at close range, do not run away - walk away slowly while facing the bear.

Agricultural tips to discourage bears:

• Use electric fencing around livestock or move livestock into barns at night.
• Use electric fencing around beehives or wire them together with metal strapping.
• Leave unplanted open lanes between forest and fields.
• Alternate row crops to provide less cover.

The DEM wants to remind people that intentionally feeding bears is illegal in Rhode Island. Black bears are also protected animals and shooting them is against the law.
The Rhode Island DEM is asking residents to report bear sightings or activity to the Division of Law Enforcement at 401-222-3070 or the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 401-789-0281.
Online: http://%20www.dem.ri.gov/

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