Public reminded to take precautions to avoid bear contact

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is warning the public to take precautions to prevent black bear encounters.

While black bear activity is not unusual during the summer, people are reminded to take precautions to avoid attracting bears to residential areas, campsites, or work sites.

Ensure garbage is properly stored and disposed and do not place garbage in outside containers until the designated collection day.

Where bears have been sighted, pet owners should keep their animals inside or under close supervision.

Never feed wildlife. When black bears or other wildlife find a source of food or garbage, they will continue to seek it out. When bears become habituated to humans, their natural fear fades and they take more chances to access food.

If the bear does not see you quietly back away and leave the area. Try to stay downwind of the animal while keeping an eye on the bear. Also remember to never get between a bear and her cubs.

If the bear has seen or smelled you remain calm and give it space and a route to get away. Back away from the bear but do not run. If you must speak, do so calmly and firmly and avoid direct eye contact.

Black bear sightings should be reported to Forestry and Wildlife offices.