Rhode Island DEM weighs in on black bear sightings
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — With a recent uptick in Rhode Island black bear sightings, what do you do if you encounter one of these animals?
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has a few tips to help us peacefully share the state with bears.
DEM stated that increased sightings of black bears doesn’t mean there’s is a bear “problem” or increased threat to public safety.
The increase in sightings can be attributed to younger bears wandering in from other states looking for their own territory.
It is also mating season for black bears, so they will go great distances to this end.
DEM reminds Rhode Islanders:
- Black bears will only enter your yard looking for food. If there’s no food source they’ll move on. This includes bird feeders (between April and November) and your trash.
- Do not approach bears. If there is no food source in the area, they will wander away on their own.
- If you spot a bear, stay inside with your pets until the bear has left.
