REMOVE ALL FOOD SOURCES FROM YOUR YARD AND NEIGHBORHOOD
- NEVER intentionally feed bears
- DO NOT feed birds – All birdfeeders, suet, and spilled seed attract bears
- NEVER leave trash bags out - store in a secure building or container and put trash out the morning of pickup
- DO NOT feed pets outside
- • DO NOT use open compost
- CLEAN barbeque grills and grease traps
- KEEP BEARS WILD – feeding can cause bears to lose their fear of people which can result in the bear being euthanized
IF YOU SEE A BEAR IN YOUR YARD
- HARASS the bear - bang pots and pans, blow a whistle or an air horn
- CHECK for and REMOVE food sources
IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BEAR
- Talk to the bear in a calm voice
- Back away – DO NOT run
- FIGHT BACK if a black bear makes contact with you
DOG OWNERS
- KEEP dogs leashed
- Check your yard for bears before letting your dog out
- DO NOT let dogs chase or interact with bears
- If you encounter a bear while with your dog, back away and leave the area
- The presence of a dog could trigger a bear to be aggressive
Learn more at Mass.gov/Bears. For questions or to report a bear encounter contact MassWildlife at 508-389-6300. Contact the Massachusetts Environmental Police outside normal business hours and on weekends at: 1-800-632-8075