A friendly reminder for outdoor safety from Cary wildlife biologist Mike Fargione.
Bears are occassionally spotted on the Cary campus. In light of these encounters, Cary wildlife biologist Mike Fargione shares some helpful reminders to ensure that both trail visitors and bears alike remain safe.
Bears move over large areas and travel on and off Cary property in their search for food. Summer is when adult females seek mates, and in preparation, expel yearlings from their family group. Young bears trying to figure out how to make a living on their own can get into mischief. Help keep them from learning bad habits and becoming problem bears by avoiding unnecessary close encounters with people. Properly dispose of food and garbage and keep birdseed out of bears’ reach. Don’t leave food in your car. Clean grills after use, and dispose of garbage in containers with secure lids – ideally ones that lock.
Black bears are normally not aggressive toward people; attacks are extraordinarily rare and unlikely. Regardless, make noise to let them know you are around while outside of buildings, in the woods, or on the trails. When you see a bear at a distance, change your route to avoid it. Don’t try to get closer for a ‘better photo’.
If you surprise a bear at close range – stop, bring your group together, and wait for the bear to move away. Never run because the bear may run after you. Try to stay calm. If the bear refuses to leave, back away slowly while facing the animal. Black bears will sometimes ‘bluff charge’ when cornered, threatened, or when attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, then slowly back away only once the bear stops its approach. Call 911 if you feel there is an immediate threat.
People spending time alone in the woods should carry bear spray and have it readily-available at all times (I do!). This is the most effective deterrent in the unlikely event of a close encounter.
Starting in late spring/early summer, white-tailed does can be seen with their new fawns in tow. Remember, baby animals seen alone are rarely orphaned; they are just hiding. The best thing for them is to leave them alone. Their mom will come back for them.
Let’s work together to keep wildlife – and ourselves – safe this summer!