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
“Outdoor Life With Tess: Black bear caught on camera near Bixby”
October 28, 2025 | News On 6
Tulsa, OK
“Momma bear and cubs feast their way through a Waynesville neighborhood”
October 22, 2025 | The Mountaineer
Waynesville, NC
“Bears reports are up this time of year in Northern Nevada; see the map”
October 21, 2025 | Reno Gazette Journal
Reno, NV
“Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers tips for scenic fall adventures and responsible recreation”
October 20, 2025 | High Plains Journal
Colorado
“Reminder: Missouri’s bears like to go on fall strolls too (LISTEN)”
October 19, 2025 | Missourinet
Missouri
“Colorado Parks And Wildlife’s Tips For Fall Recreation”
October 17, 2025 | Unofficial Networks
Colorado
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.
