Bears Still Foraging for Food, DNR Advises Tight Lid on Garbage
A neighborhood in Forsyth County was surprised last week to see a family of black bears strolling through their yards, but the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division says it’s still not uncommon to see black bears even this late in the season.
That’s why they’re warning people in suburban and rural areas to make sure they don’t have anything in their yards or on their properties that would attract a black bear.
Speaking on Sunday’s Community Forum, DNR Law Enforcement officer Craig Fulgum, black bears will often wander down from the mountains in Stephens, Rabun and Habersham counties to our area searching for food.
“We do have bears that come and stay awhile,” Fulgum said. “Usually as they come through our area they’re making their way to the river. People are still fascinated when they see a bear but we don’t want a conflict between people and bears.”
In the case of the family of black bears in Forsyth County last week, people living in that subdivision said the bears did not appear to be frightened by humans and seemed to know exactly where they were going – over fences and into backyards in broad daylight.
Fulgum said bears that are that comfortable being around humans have likely been foraging in garbage cans for food.
“The main thing bears are looking for is food and a quick meal,” he said. “If they find a free meal, they will stay around and you can just about set your clock by them and that can create a conflict. So the main thing is to keep your trash put up and to bring your pets’ food inside.”
If you see a bear on your property or in the area – especially during the day – do not go near it, but call your local DNR office. Fulgum said black bears by nature are not typically aggressive, but you still don’t want to go near one.
Bear hunting season begins in Northeast Georgia in October in conjunction with firearm dear hunting season. For information on harvesting black bears, you can go to www.gohuntgeorgia.com.