Bird feeders attract bears so take them down: DEEP [Video]

HARTFORD, Conn. — Residents are being asked to be bear aware this spring.

The state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the National Audubon Society’s Connecticut office, are urging residents to take down their bird feeders as black bear activity increases in early spring following winter denning season, according to a DEEP release on Tuesday.

The reminder was released to encourage people to protect both their communities and bears “by not reinforcing behaviors that result in human-bear conflicts,” the release said, noting that simple steps can reduce the likelihood of encounters, conflicts and potential harm to humans and bears.

An event was held on Tuesday at the Bent of the River Audubon Centerin Southbury, where speakers stressed the importance of taking down bird feeders, which DEEP said are easy and tasty sources of calories for bears. Bird feeders are …