BEAR IT ALL: “I was reading about the oil drilling going on up
on Hedgehog. I am wondering if all that drilling is making the
bears come down to our neighborhood such as Hedgehog, West
Washington, and of course the Sleepy Hollow area. Tracks have been
discovered and my parents saw two big bears on our patio early
Saturday morning.”

Our missive today is from Linda Platko Green of Bradford. She
continues, “I have to assume that all the noise and such are
driving the animals out of their habitat. You know, it isn’t fair
that these animals are going to become a nuisance just because of
people drilling for oil in a neighborhood of homes and life.”

We have no idea if the oil drilling would prompt any bear
movement but do know that these bruins are out in full force – and
apparently very hungry. In fact, we’d have to guess that the search
for food outweighs drilling noise by a long shot.

One resident told us he had a bear break into his locked shed
two nights in a row to get at the sunflower seeds he had stored
inside. In his 40 years at that location, this had never
happened.

Every year in the spring, of course, we get reports of bears
roaming about and generally raising Cain with residents – and,
particularly, their bird feeders – as they forage for food.

And every year, too, we pass along some tips from the Game
Commission about how to avoid attracting bears to your
neighborhood.

Of utmost importance, any food placed outside for wildlife, such
as corn for squirrels, may attract bears. Even bird feeders can
become “bear magnets.” If you do choose to feed songbirds, at the
very least avoid foods that are particularly attractive for bears,
such as sunflower seeds, hummingbird nectar mixes or suet.

Bring feeders inside at night or suspend them from crosswires so
they are at least 10 feet above the ground and four feet from
anything a bear can climb, including overhead limbs.

Don’t put out your garbage until pick-up day; don’t throw table
scraps out back; don’t add fruit or vegetable wastes to your
compost pile; and clean your barbecue grill regularly. If you have
pets and feed them outdoors, consider placing food dishes inside
overnight. Encourage your neighbors to do the same.