Recent black bear activity in northeast Alabama, combined with bear sightings across Northwest Georgia, is providing a timely reminder for residents to take precautions around their homes and while spending time outdoors.

A black bear has recently made repeated visits to a home in Fort Payne, where cameras captured the animal searching through trash. The bear has reportedly returned several times, including during daylight hours.

The activity is especially noteworthy for residents of DeKalb and Cherokee counties in Alabama and the Cloudland area of Chattooga, Walker and Dade counties in Georgia, where the mountainous, heavily wooded terrain provides suitable bear habitat across the state line.

However, black bears are not confined to mountainous areas. Sightings have also been reported in lower-elevation valley areas of Northwest Georgia, including places well away from the higher ridges and mountains. Bears can travel considerable distances while searching for food, mates and new territory.

Alabama wildlife officials say a small breeding population of black bears has become reestablished in the Lookout Mountain area of DeKalb and Cherokee counties. Bears can also move through adjoining areas of Georgia, including the higher elevations around Cloudland and lower-elevation communities nearby.

Across the state line, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources says North Georgia is home to one of the state’s three distinct black bear populations.

Fall is also an important time for bears. Wildlife officials say bears enter a period known as hyperphagia, when they spend much of their time searching for food and consuming additional calories in preparation for winter.

That search for food can sometimes bring bears closer to homes, particularly when garbage, pet food, bird feeders or other easy food sources are available.

Wildlife officials on both sides of the state line stress that residents should never intentionally feed a bear. Even unintentionally providing food can teach a bear to associate homes and people with an easy meal.

Residents in Northeast Alabama and Northwest Georgia can reduce the chances of attracting bears by securing garbage, bringing pet food inside, keeping grills clean and removing other potential food sources.

If someone encounters a black bear, wildlife officials advise against approaching it. Give the animal plenty of room and allow it an escape route. If a bear sees you, back away slowly rather than running.

Black bears naturally tend to avoid people, and removing food sources around homes is one of the most effective ways to prevent conflicts.

The recent Fort Payne activity is another reminder that bears are part of the wildlife population on both sides of Lookout Mountain and can also turn up in the valleys and other lower-elevation areas of Northeast Alabama and Northwest Georgia.