DEC seeks public input on managing black bears

DEC seeks public input on managing black bears

A series of four public meetings will be held to provide an overview of the natural history of black bears, their current status and management activities in New York state. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seeks public input on future management.

The black bear, a natural component of the woodlands, is the only wild bear found in New York state. Conservation efforts and the rebound in forested habitat over the past century have resulted in a healthy and thriving black bear population; however, there are areas in the state where human development and/or land use are not compatible with black bears.

In recent years, black bear population and their range have expanded. After a dramatic reduction in number during the 1800s, conservation measures paved the way for their comeback. Black bears have had secure populations in the Adirondacks, Catskill and Allegany regions for many years and in the last few decades have made significant strides expanding into surrounding areas, taking advantage of the reforestation of much of New York state.

Of the 11 counties comprising Region 8, black bears have established resident populations in much of Chemung, Livingston, Ontario and Steuben counties. They are also routinely seen in portions of Schuyler and Yates counties. In recent years the number of pioneering or transient bears has also been on the rise in Seneca, Orleans, Genesee, Monroe and Wayne counties.

While wild black bears typically pose a low risk to people, interactions with humans arise when good bear habitat increases and the bear population rises. This is particularly true if people aren't aware of appropriate behaviors and practices when sharing the landscape with bears.

DEC will provide information on common bear-human interactions and steps people should follow. Key among these is to avoid having any attractants around their homes. Common attractants are garbage, pet food, greasy barbecue grills and bird seed. Bears learn that these are easy meals and develop increasingly bolder behavior in search of food. They many become chronic nuisances or in rare instances pose a risk to people or domestic animals.

Bears can be a serious problem for some forms of agriculture and often run into trouble in and around urban/suburban areas. DEC is looking for public input to provide a better understanding of how people feel about sharing the landscape with bears and whether they favor a continued growth in bear numbers and the expansion of their range.

Anyone interested in reviewing information on New York's bear management program in advance of the meetings should visit the DEC website at www.dec.ny.us. Black bear natural history and management framework documents can be found on the Black Bear Management page at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7215.html.

The following local meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m. October 24 at the Churchville-Chili High School Auditorium, 5786 Buffalo Road, Churchville.