U.S. States Increase Bear Safety Efforts

As black bears emerge from hibernation across the U.S., various states including Texas, Colorado, Michigan, and Idaho, are experiencing increased bear sightings and potential human-bear conflicts. Wildlife officials are advising residents to secure attractants like garbage, pet food, and bird feeders to prevent bears from associating residential areas with easy food sources. In West Texas, a bear with a research collar has been seen exploring neighborhoods, while Colorado reports substantial bear-related incidents, including vehicle break-ins. Michigan's bear population is expanding into the Lower Peninsula, increasing interactions with humans, and Idaho emphasizes the importance of being 'Bear Aware' to avoid conflicts. States recommend loud noises to scare bears and proper storage of food and garbage as preventive measures to sustain ecological balance and ensure safety for both humans and bears.