Reported Bear Sightings...
September 2, 2007
Judy and Clyde Butz spotted a bear (young adult) crossing the Old
Beach Road this evening about 5:45 pm. He crossed right in front
of two cars that were driving out. He was probably about 1/2
way between the paved road and the beginning of the camps.
July 23, 2007
Bear sighted by Shirley and Gene Hockey (from Hotel Bay-North Shore)
on the Sylvia Lake Road between Old Beach and West Shore Roads.
July 23, 2007
Bear "snapped" by a trail
camera set up by Rob Meyer on Mansion Grounds.
|
|
Deterring Bears Around Residences (Information
from the DEC website)
"Good housekeeping" is a requirement in black bear country.
Simple sanitation measures can be the key to preventing bears around
houses and in camp areas. The following list contains techniques
that we recommend to prevent attracting bears.
Discontinue the practice of feeding suet and/or bird seed to birds
for the entire summer. Bird feed is a very strong attraction even
if they can't reach it. Check out this creative bear...
Do not leave garbage outside of houses or garages. (Grease, fat,
bacon and other meats are extremely attractive to bears. These
items should be disposed of in sealed containers.)
Note: Burning makes garbage more attractive.
- Clean garbage cans and other refuse containers frequently with
ammonia, bleach or Lysol.
- Place camphor disks (available from
some drug stores) in garbage cans to mask food odors. Other items
may work as well, e.g. mothballs, air fresheners, Lysol and ammonia-soaked
rags.
- Use plastic bags inside garbage cans to help hide odors.
- Store
garbage cans in a secure place such as a garage, rather than
storing them on a porch.
- Empty garbage dumpsters at camping areas
after dinner to decrease the chance of attracting bears. Construction
of a garbage storage facility may be necessary when dump facilities
are not open daily.
- Remove the grease can from gas and charcoal
grills after every use. Turn the grill on "High" for
several minutes after you are done cooking.
- Clean barbeque pits
and grills thoroughly before leaving them outside. (We recommend
using aluminum foil and cleaning these items with an ammonia
cleaner.)
- Do not place food outside to attract raccoons, squirrels
or other wildlife.
- Clean old refrigerators and other insulated
containers that are left outside.
- Turn off kitchen exhaust fans
that vent to the outside when not in use. Make sure the vent
screen is cleaned regularly.
- Do not feed family pets outside.
An empty dish can attract a bear.
- Leave outdoor lights on, or
a radio playing, all night.
- Do not hand-feed bears from cars at
campgrounds and dump sites.
- Do not leave dirty diapers or diaper pails outside.
Remember: Bears are attracted by smells....With the exception of
ammonia, Lysol, camphor and other strong smells, everything smells
like potential bear food.
Remove the Food Attractant and You'll Remove the Bear. |
