» Spring is the time to be bear aware

Now that spring has arrived with its mostly sunny days, it’s time for the community to look out for those four-legged eating machines, known as Ursus americanus or the American black bear.

“Bears are foragers and like most foragers, they are opportunists and will take the path of least resistance,” Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Bear Biologist Bill Kinyoun said. “That means they won’t waste time searching out roots and berries if there’s an easier food source like an unattended garbage can.”

Reedsport is one of the more common hangouts for the bears. And even though this year’s bears are coming out of their limited hibernation a little fatter than usual, that doesn’t mean they’re not hungry.

“It takes tens of thousands of calories a day to satisfy these animals,” Kinyoun said. “They will look for food 20 hours a day if need be and people have to take steps if they don’t want a bear hanging around the house.”

While garbage cans are one of the most common attractants, Kinyoun said there are several lesser-known items and circumstances that can draw bears to the neighborhood, or worse, your house or car.

“Items like scented candles, left out pet food, livestock feed and bird feeders are particular favorites,” Kinyoun said. “Compost piles and dirty barbecues will also bring in a curious bear.”

Kinyoun said a person should look at their house and yard and try to imagine being a bear.

“Bears have an extremely keen sense of smell to go along with their large appetite and if you can see or smell things in your yard like fallen fruit or a hummingbird feeder, chances are they smelled it a mile away,” Kinyoun said. “And once they’ve had a meal around your house, they’ll be back. They are definitely creatures of habit.”

As for garbage cans are concerned, Trent Carpenter, Director of Operations for Southern Oregon Sanitation said there is no such thing as a bear-proof garbage can.

“There are a lot of cans on the market that claim to be bear proof,” Carpenter said. “But truthfully, if a bear wants what’s inside a can, it’s going to get it and that goes for raccoons and stray dogs.”

Carpenter recommends that people planning to throw out meat, fish scraps or other pungent leftovers first freeze the items.

“Sprinkling baking soda, ammonia or bleach in and around the can will also help,” he said. “The idea is to mask the smell.”

Carpenter also advises that people put out the trash just before pickup where possible.

“Too many people put the trash out the night before and then it isn’t picked up until late the next morning,” Carpenter said. “Know when the trash pickup is so you can time it right.”

Kinyoun said people should also be aware of what’s inside their cars or trucks when leaving them parked.

“If you go to McDonald’s, eat in the car and leave wrappers or a half finished Coke or even crumbs, a bear will pick up on the sweet smell and destroy your car to get inside,” Kinyoun said. “Things like lipstick and makeup can also give off a smell the bear interprets it as something good to eat.”

Since Oregon’s bear population is so dense, Kinyoun said he does not relocate bears.

In Oregon, a fed bear is a dead bear. No if, ands or buts. We don’t tag anymore,” he said. “It’s unfortunate for the bears. They’re just doing what comes naturally. It’s people that cause it.”

Because bears have started coming into neighborhoods in the past few years, Carpenter said there’s a better chance of people encountering them. If you come across a bear, don’t run.

“You become game to him and he’s going to give chase. Make sure the bear has an escape route that doesn’t include running over you,” Carpenter said. “Stand up straight as you can and make as much noise as you can, while throwing anything handy.”

There are between 250,000 and 300,000 black bears in Oregon and while one must exercise caution, Carpenter said people and bears can get along.

“If we just use common sense and follow the rules. Everything should be fine,” Carpenter said. “Unfortunately, there are people who don’t pay attention and we have to put down a bear whose only crime was it was hungry. Believe me, that’s never a pleasant task.”