Seriously! Please Do Not Feed the Bears

Basically, feeding kills bears! 

The Black Bear lives in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains and throughout the Southern Appalachian Mountains.  They were near extinction at one time but proper management of bears and their habitat has helped the population of black bears recover.

Most bears will shy away from humans because they are naturally afraid of humans and human scent but the temptation of food odors will draw them in.  I feel the Georgia Mountains are something to be treasured and protected and I feel the same for the bears who are native to our mountains.  They are as much a part of these mountains as the mountains themselves.

A Black Bear has a remarkable sense of smell so food and garbage oftentimes will lead them into danger.  Bears could possibly ingest toxic material from garbage or be killed by poachers.  (Please report poachers - read more to find out how to protect bears and report poachers).

State and Federal agencies have gone to great expense and effort to protect bears and keep human related foods away.  You can do your part too.

1. Respect the bear and the bear's habitat; respect nature
2. Never leave food or garbage outside
3. Do not feed birds between April and November
4. Do not leave pet food outside
5. Do not leave food as bait for any animal
6. If a bear approaches move inside immediately
7. Hang food at 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from a tree or limb (this includes anything with strong odors such as:  toothpaste, bug repellent, soap)
8. Use special food storage boxes and cable systems if possible
9. Do not cook or store food near your tent
10. Do not bury trash - it is best to pack it out

If you see a bear:

1. Never surround or corner a bear
2. Never run - back away slowly and make lots of noise
3. Shout, bang pots together, throw rocks or sticks
4. Do not approach a bear - if the bear changes its natural behavior, you are too close
5. Be responsible.  Improper behavior could result in you or the bear's loss of life

Bear Facts:

• Wild bears do not associate with developed areas
• Depend on natural foods
• Are afraid of humans and human related smells
• Wild bears live 23% longer than "garbage" bears
• Garbage bears do frequent developed areas
• Garbage bears become dependent on human related food and garbage
• Garbage bears are likely to injure or kill people and be killed by poachers
• Bear cubs who eat only wild food have the best chance for survival

Learn more by contacting your local state wildlife agency

Georgia Wildlife Resources Division | Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency | North Carolina Wildlife Resources

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