As black bear activity increases across western Nevada this month, the Nevada Department of Wildlife is urging residents to remove bird feeders and other backyard attractants that can bring bears into neighborhoods.
July is one of the busiest times of the year for black bear activity in western Nevada, and the Nevada Department of Wildlife is seeing an increase in calls involving bears attracted to bird feeders and hummingbird feeders.
While birdseed is a well-known attractant, hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water can be just as appealing to bears. Once a bear finds an easy food source, it is likely to return, increasing the potential for conflicts in neighborhoods.
To help keep bears wild and reduce human and bear conflicts, NDOW recommends residents remove bird feeders, including hummingbird feeders, if bears have been seen in the area. People can also consider planting native flowers instead of using hummingbird feeders to naturally attract birds.
The agency also encourages residents to create a bird-friendly habitat by adding bird baths, water features, native plants, and nesting boxes without providing an easy food source for bears. Those who feed birds with seed should scatter a small amount in the morning so birds can clean it up before evening instead of leaving a concentrated food source overnight.
NDOW also reminds residents to continue securing garbage, pet food, grills, and other attractants around their homes.
According to the agency, preventing access to human food sources is the most effective way to keep bears from becoming comfortable around people. Bears that repeatedly find food in neighborhoods are more likely to return, creating conflicts that can put both people and bears at risk.
