LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As the weather warms, thousands of hungry black bears across northern Michigan will leave their dens and go hunting for food. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says food can include bird seed, pet food and garbage.

That’s why they are asking Michigan residents to remove bird feeders and pet food from outdoors, use bear-resistant garbage cans, and keep grills and patio furniture clean.

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“Removing food sources now before they attract bears and other wildlife can save you time, money and stress, and keep the animals safely foraging at a distance for the rest of the year,” said Jared Duquette, a DNR wildlife biologist who specializes in human-wildlife interactions. “While black bears are generally fearful of humans, we should never engage with or feed the bears. It is critical that bears retain their natural fear of humans.”

State data indicates more than 10,000 black bears live in the Upper Peninsula. Another 2,000 or so reside in the northern Lower Peninsula.

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