The Detroit News: More black bears seen in Lower Michigan. Here's how to avoid them, DNR says
Black bears are expanding their territory in Michigan's Lower Peninsula and as they roam about, state officials say the best way for residents and bears to both stay safe is to ensure they can't find a reliable snack in their human neighbor's backyard.
Indeed, do not feed the bears.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources gives some advice for what to do if you encounter a Bear, but a key effective tool is not mentioned for some reason:
If someone does encounter a black bear, the DNR said, they should not play dead (that will only work on a grizzly) and they should not run away (that can trigger the animal's chase response).
Instead, stand your ground, back away only when the bear stops its approach and make yourself look bigger by raising your arms and jacket, and/or standing on a rock or stump, state officials suggested. One can also yell at the bear loudly and always provide a clear, unobstructed escape route for the bear.
If the bear makes contact with you, fight back, the DNR advises, by hitting, kicking and using anything available like a knife, sticks, rocks, binoculars or a backpack.
I'd recommend using something that is a lot more effective than a knife, sticks, rock, binoculars or a backpack if you're being attacked by a bear. Funny how they don't list the far more effective tool as an option.
4 comments:
Do not feed outdoor quadrupeds at all. No free feeding feral cats, skunks, deer, etc.
Rick T: Absolutely right. As the sign says: "Don't feed the animals, it makes them dependent".
My hometown is Hesperia, MI. That is about 7 miles north and 5 miles west of Fremont.
Not only are they seeing a LOT of black bear around the area, but about 6-8 years ago, my oldest son saw a COUGAR right outside of town.
He was going out for a smoke, and the cougar was stalking a wild turkey. My son got within 10 yards or so of the cat and there was no mistaking it. He went inside and got his ex-wife and a gun and went back out to look again, but it had gone.
Of course I scolded him, and he is now much smarter than he was. In all the time I lived there I only saw one wild cat, a bobcat, while driving at night. I did see what I can only say was a martin while driving at night near Lake Michigan somewhat south of Hesperia.
I contacted the DNR about the cougar sighting, and while they denied that it could have been there, they were decent about it, telling me that they could not confirm such a thing until they had positive proof via pictures and hopefully DNA evidence.
What went unsaid was the fact that they no doubt were concerned about not only the politics of the situation but the tourism dollars that might be involved. I am sure that it might possibly affect whether or not people were comfortable going into some of our states wilderness areas for recreation, and not spending the money for local economies.
Do not feed the bears unless of course the bear is wearing a hat and tie, talks and is "Smarter than the av-er-age bear." Then a pick-a-nik basket would be appreciated. I'll Leave now.
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