BearWise helps people live responsibly with bears
BearWise® is the program you can trust for sound information and smart solutions that help homeowners, businesses and communities coexist with bears.
From the BearWise Article Bank
How to be BearWise
Will bears find a good winter den at your place?
The Bear Facts
Bear den locations may surprise you
BearWise in the News
“Black Bear Euthanized After Breaking Into Upstate NY Home, Attacking Homeowner”
September 5, 2025 | CNY News
Central New York
“Rescued black bear cubs separated from mother make wild comeback in New York“
June 2, 2025 | Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Rochester, NY
“DEC: Remove Bird Feeders, Feed Pets Indoors To Keep Bears Away”
April 16, 2025 | The Post-Journal
Jamestown, NY
“Be ‘BearWise’ This Spring; Public Encouraged to Remove Bird Feeders, Feed Pets Indoors”
April 12, 2025 | Adirondack Almanack
Adirondack region, NY
“DEC Reminds New Yorkers to Be ‘BearWise’ This Spring”
April 11, 2025 | New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Press Release
Six At-Home BearWise Basics
Remove bird feeders when bears are active
Birdseed and grains have lots of calories, so they’re very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creating conflicts with bears. Learn More
Clean and Store Grills, Smokers
Clean grills after each use and make sure that all grease, fat and food particles are removed. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out. Learn More
Do you spend time outdoors
…hiking, walking, cycling, jogging, camping?
Read how to Be BearWise Outdoors.
The Black Bear Comeback
Black bears once roamed over all of America’s forested lands. But after European settlement, their numbers and habitat dwindled. Thanks to new attitudes and enlightened conservation and management efforts, black bears are making a dramatic comeback over much of their historic home range. Now that bears are returning to areas they used to call home, it’s up to people and communities to learn how to peacefully coexist with these amazing animals.
BearWise shares ways to prevent conflicts, provides resources to resolve problems, and encourages community initiatives to keep bears wild.
BearWise® is a program of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. Read more About BearWise.
