Bears are on the move in New York and they are hungry. They are also really smart.

Most people in New York, especially those who live outside the city, know spring brings bears coming out of hibernation. But do they know how crafty those bears can actually be?

Bear Opens Door

We've all heard about bears roaming backyards in search of food but you'll 'bearly' believe your eyes when you see this one open a storm door. Thankfully there was another wooden door to stop the guy from getting into the house.

Lock Your Doors

Could you imagine hearing something at the door and opening it up to that guy? If you lived through the encounter, at least you'd have one heck of a story to tell. You'd also remember to always lock your door, especially in the spring when bears are coming out of hibernation.

Van Bear-glary

You should also lock your car doors. A few years ago a bear managed to open the sliding doors of a van in Upstate New York. After rummaging for food in the back, she opens the driver's side door to search some more.

Bear Breaks Into Fridge

Bears can open almost anything, especially if it has a handle. One was caught sneaking into a house, opening the refrigerator, eating some blackberries, pancake mix, crackers, and a cherry pie, before moving on his way.

Garbage Thief

Heaven forbid you leave a window open. Bears will crawl right through, especially if you've left garbage out. Watch home security camera footage from a camp in the Catskills showing a young bear climbing through a window to find food.

Bear For Dinner

You need to keep all your food, toiletries, and garbage in a bear-resistant canister to avoid attracting black bears. Don't cook or eat after dark either or you may have one join you for dinner. It happened at a camp in the Adirondacks.

Bears in New York

There are a minimum of 6,000 to 8,000 bears in New York State, according to the DEC. Everyone is being reminded to limit food sources to reduce bear conflicts. Take down your bird feeders. Keep pet food indoors and lock up trash containers. Bears learn from experience. So, if they find food, they will be back.

The DEC has tips on how to keep bears away from your property and what to do if you encounter one.

To Avoid Bears Coming Onto Your Property:

  • Clean your grill by turning it on high for several minutes after you are done cooking to burn residual odors.
  • Lock up your trash. Bears love garbage. Keep all trash in sealed cans inside a building like a garage or shed. Anything with an odor can attract a bear.
  • Do not feed your pets outside. Leftover food or even an empty dish can attract a bear.
  • Do not have refrigerators or freezers outside or on porches. Bears can smell what is inside.

Do:

  • Use noise to scare bears away: Yell, clap, or bang pots immediately upon sighting a bear.
  • Stay calm: Walk slowly and speak in a loud and calm voice.
  • Leave slowly: Cautiously back away from the bear and leave the area.

Don't:

  • Approach, surround, or corner a bear: Bears aggressively defend themselves when they feel threatened. Be especially cautious around cubs as mother bears are very protective.
  • Run from a bear: They may chase.
  • Throw your backpack or food bag at an approaching bear: This will only encourage bears to approach and "bully" people to get food. By teaching a bear to approach humans for food, you are endangering yourself, other campers/residents, and the bears.
  • If a bear approaches you: Raise your arms and speak in a loud, calm voice while backing away.
  • If a bear charges you: Stand your ground.
  • If a bear makes contact with you: Fight back with anything at hand (knife, stick, rocks, or fists).

If You're Camping:

  • Throw out all your trash and recyclables.
  • Lock up your coolers and food. Store food in either the trunk of your car or in the cab of your truck. Keep windows shut and food and coolers out of sight.
  • NEVER keep food, coolers, or scented items in your tent.
  • Treat all toiletries as food items. Toiletry products are heavily scented and are as attractive to bears as actual food.
  • Clean up after all meals immediately. Keep grills, pots, pans, cooking utensils, and washbasins clean when not in use.
  • Do not put grease, garbage, plastic diapers, cans, bottles, or other refuse into the fireplace. These items do not properly burn and will attract bears with their odors.
  • Always remember when exploring the wilderness - you're in their home. Be vigilant and stay safe.

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