Maine’s Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife issued precautions about bears and their Spring behaviors. With warmer weather, wildlife is wasting no time shedding winter’s grip to enjoy the season.

For many of these animals, such as black bears, they have lost a significant amount of body weight and are on the move looking for food after emerging from their winter dens. While denning, black bears enter a state of torpor, slowing their metabolism and respiration, breathing only once per 15 to 45 seconds, and dropping their heart rate to 8-21 beats per minute. Even with a lowered metabolic rate, bears still lose significant body fat. Unlike true hibernators, bears don’t eat, drink, urinate, or defecate during this time.

Once spring comes and bears emerge from their den, for two to three weeks bears are working to regulate their bodily functions slowly until normal activity ensues. At this time of year, natural foods are limited, and bears may take the risk and wander into backyards in search of easily accessible food.

Take steps now to prevent black bears from coming to your yard:

Remove birdfeeders between April 1 and November 1
Rake up unused bird seed from the ground
Keep pet food and trash inside or in fenced areas
Clean grills thoroughly after use
Store garbage cans in a building or enclosed by electric fence
Take garbage cans to curb on morning of pickup
Keep outbuilding and garage doors closed at all times and repair broken window and doors
Keep dumpster lids and doors closed and latched
Use bear-resistant dumpsters or garbage cans

More information

• Download BearWise At-Home Checklist
• Learn what bears do in May
• BearWise Safety Tips for Dog Owners
• Avoid or Resolve a Wildlife Conflict