LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- The state Department of Natural Resources warns that bears searching for food may be attracted to backyard birdfeeders, trash cans and grills.
Bear specialist Adam Bump says homeowners should temporarily remove bird feeders and store grills, trash cans and pet food in garages or sheds to help keep bears from roaming on their property.
Bears in yards can lead to dangerous situations for the animals and humans.
Bump says bird seed is a high-energy food and easy for bears to find. The animals will keep returning until the seeds or feeders are gone. Bears will tend to forage for natural food sources in the woods with the approach of summer.
Wildlife officials only authorize the trapping of nuisance bears in cases of significant property damage or threats to human safety.
