As spring green-up continues across Georgia, state wildlife officials are reminding residents that black bears are becoming more active and visible in search of food.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says spring is a key time for bear activity, as bears emerge from their winter dens hungry and looking for easy meals. That makes it especially important for homeowners and businesses to avoid leaving out anything that could attract them.

“As expected, bears are going to be hungry when they emerge from their winter dens, and that means getting easy-to-obtain food as soon as possible,” said Adam Hammond, WRD State Bear Biologist. “Don’t let your home become a bear buffet.”

Wildlife officials say the best way to prevent bear conflicts is to follow the “At Home BearWise Basics.” That includes never feeding or approaching bears, securing food, garbage, and recycling, removing bird feeders when bears are active, not leaving pet food outdoors, cleaning and storing grills, and alerting neighbors when bears have been spotted nearby.

Officials warn that when bears gain access to food provided by people, they can become dependent on it. That often leads to destructive behavior and increases the risk the animal may eventually have to be destroyed.

Georgia’s black bear is the only bear species found in the state and is considered a major conservation success story. The population was nearly wiped out in the 1930s because of unregulated hunting, illegal harvest, and habitat loss, but wildlife management efforts have helped restore the species. Today, Georgia’s black bear population is estimated at around 4,100 statewide.

BearWise is an education program developed by state bear biologists to help people safely live alongside bears. The program offers practical guidance for reducing human-bear conflicts and protecting both residents and wildlife.

State officials also remind the public that black bears may only legally be taken during Georgia’s fall bear hunting season. Anyone who sees a bear killed illegally or outside the legal season should report it through the ranger hotline.

More information is available through BearWise.