Bear Season Begins: Community Urged to Stay Bear Aware
MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – As bear season begins in full force, Marshfield Police Department is urging residents to take precautions as black bears become increasingly active in search of easy food sources. Multiple sightings have already been reported in the city, and officials expect activity to increase over the coming weeks.
Black bears are naturally wary of humans, but their behavior can quickly change when food becomes accessible. This is why it’s critical for residents to minimize attractants and follow safety guidelines designed to protect both people and wildlife.
Key Safety Tips to Prevent Bear Encounters:
- Secure all garbage, compost, and pet food indoors. Bears have an acute sense of smell and will return to areas where food is readily available.
- Remove or reposition bird feeders. Hanging them high and away from decks or trees can reduce the chances of drawing bears close to homes.
- Clean and store BBQs. Residual food smells can act as strong lures for hungry bears.
- Keep vehicles free of food and coolers. Even locked cars are not safe from a determined bear if it smells food inside.
- Give bears space. Never approach a bear. If spotted, observe from a distance and allow the animal to move on naturally.
If you encounter a bear, remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Do not run. Speak in a firm, calm voice and slowly back away, giving the bear an escape route. If the bear continues to approach, stand your ground and make yourself appear larger by raising your arms. In rare cases where a bear acts aggressively, make noise and throw objects to scare it off—but never turn your back or play dead unless you are certain it is a defensive grizzly attack (which are not typical of black bears). Always report aggressive bear behavior to local wildlife authorities immediately.
Residents are encouraged to report bear sightings to local wildlife authorities and to remind neighbors, especially new residents or visitors, about the importance of bear safety practices.
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Author: News Desk
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