Avoid bear issues this summer

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos this week advised the public that black bears are becoming increasingly active as the summer season ramps up and homeowners and campers can reduce the potential for human-bear conflicts by preventing bears from accessing food sources. In recent weeks, DEC has received numerous reports of bears entering suburban areas, breaking into buildings and vehicles, and approaching camp sites in efforts to obtain food. Conflicts typically increase this time of year due to the dispersal of young bears from family groups, the onset of the breeding season, and a lull in natural food availability prior to the ripening of local berries.

In one case near Keene in the Adirondack High Peaks one bear has been particularly aggressive in taking food from hikers. Despite being shot by rubber bullets by rangers, he later went after other campers at a different leanto. In another case in Lewis County a woman reported a bear asleep in a tree outside her home. Before DEC personnel could arrive, her ethically-challenged boyfriend arrived and shot the bear several times. He was later arrested for shooting a bear out of season, among other charges.

The most common attractants are poorly stored garbage, bird feeders, messy grills, and pet food left outdoors. Once a bear finds these foods, it will often continue to return to the area. Some campers with the mentality of a toadstool persist in leaving their coolers in plain sight and easy access.

Bears that frequent developed areas are at greater risk of being hit by cars, illegally shot by people, or euthanized if the bear becomes a real threat. In addition, bears that become accustomed to obtaining food near human spaces will sometimes break into homes or vehicles to get food.

Although it may seem obvious, never feed bears intentionally. Feeding bears intentionally is illegal and a ticketable offense. Bears that obtain food from humans will continue to seek food from humans and become nuisance bears.

The public is encouraged to take the following steps to avoid conflicts with bears: Keep garbage, grills, pet food, and bird seed inside a solid, secure structure. If grills cannot be secured, move grills away from houses and remove grease traps after each use. Put garbage on the curb the morning of collection, not the night before, and use bearresistant trash containers.

At public campgrounds campers should keep campsites as clean as possible. Clean up after all meals immediately. Keep grills, pots, pans, cooking utensils, and wash basins clean when not in use. Leave coolers and food inside car trunks or truck cabs. Do not leave items like Twizzlers (licorice candy) or chocolate bars in plain sight or your vehicle will be “toast!” Store food and coolers in food lockers when available. Never keep food, coolers, or scented items in tents when camping. Do not put grease, garbage, or other refuse into the fireplace. Dispose of garbage in the campground’s dumpsters every evening.

Backcountry hikers and campers should take special precaution and pack a minimal amount of food. Use lightweight and dehydrated foods. Plan all meals to avoid leftovers. Use bear-resistant food canisters which are required in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness of the Adirondack Park. Cook and eat before dark and cook away from campsites. Avoid spills and drippings while cooking and do not pour grease into firepits and never leave food unattended.

If you encounter a bear don’t panic. Bears are likely just as afraid of people as people are of bears. Never approach, surround, or corner a bear. Back away slowly – do not run. Do not throw backpacks or food at bears. If bears are rewarded with food, they will continue to seek food from people. If feeling threatened by a bear, raise your arms over your head to look bigger and yell loudly at the bear while slowly backing away. More information on avoiding and creating conflicts with nuisance bears is available on the DEC website (www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6995.html).

We are not really in danger. You don’t need to run out and buy cans of bear spray. There is the potential for harm to people and property if common sense is not used. The problem is these days it seems that “common sense” is not very common!

Short Casts

Adirondack Loon Center Honors Gary Lee: The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation will present its 2018 Loon Recognition Award to naturalist extraordinaire Gary Lee at the View Arts Center in Old Forge on Friday, July 6, 2018 from 5-7 p.m.

The reception will feature a presentation to showcase Gary Lee’s extensive contributions to the conservation of loons in the Adirondacks, as well as live music, hors d’oeuvres, and beverages. Tickets are available online at www.adkloon.org/events, or by contacting info@adkloon.org or 518-354-8636.

“There is no person who better exemplifies a lifetime of aiding Adirondack loons and the loon research community than Gary Lee.” stated Dr. Nina Schoch, Executive Director of the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation. “For the past two decades, Gary has helped us monitor and band hundreds of loons throughout the Adirondacks, aswell as rescuing many injured or iced-in loons.” Schoch continued, “He has also informed thousands of people about loons through his weekly column, “Daybreak to Twilight,” and his engaging presentations.

A retired NYSDEC Forest Ranger, and avid naturalist, birder, and photographer, Gary has received many awards for his achievements over the years, including the 1991 Conservationist of the Year Award by the NYS Conservation Council, induction into the NYS Outdoorsman Hall of Fame in 2007, and the 2017 M. Paul Keesler New York Outdoor Citizen Award. On July 14 the Adirondack Conservation Council will honor Gary with a Special Recognition Award at its annual Forever Wild Luncheon in Old Forge.

To learn more about the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, contact the Center at info@adkloon.org or (518) 354-8636.

50th Annual Decoy & Wildlife Art Show and Sale: The Thousand Islands Museum in Clayton will be sponsoring the 50th Annual Decoy, Wildlife Art, and Sporting Collectibles Show. Dates are Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21, 2018. The popular event will be held at the Cerow Recreation Park Arena in Clayton. There will be displays of decoys, contests, wildlife art, and collect- ibles and working decoys for sale or auction. For additional information see www.timuseum.org or call 315- 686-5794. Hours are Friday 9 am – 6 pm, Saturday 9 am – 4 pm.

Schedule of special events: Friday 11 a.m. – Vintage Decoy Contest and Art Knapp-Hunting Decoy Contest. Friday 1 p.m. – Decoy Auction. Saturday 10 a.m. – Jack Sweet Memoiral Gunning Pairs contest and Ken Harris Gunning Rigs Contest. Saturday 3 p.m. close of the Silent Auction.

There will be a traditional Thousand Islands shore dinner Friday from 4 – 8 sponsored by Coyote Moon winery to benefit the Thousand Islands Museum. This is a great show for art and the art of decoys for collectibles or hunting. While you are there be sure to visit the Thousand Islands Museum on James St. in Clayton. It is a really nice exhibit of life in days past on the river, decoy art, waterfowl hunting, and muskie fishing.

Give Trout a Break: The recent heat wave has affected a lot of things, including trout. Since trout are cold water creatures, the warmer water puts physical stress on them when the water temperature gets above 70 degrees. They seek areas of colder aerated water as a refuge to avoid fatal levels of heat stress. Anglers should avoid catch and release since even careful handling may result in death in these conditions. Avoid disturbing areas where large numbers of trout have gathered to find cooler conditions. You might consider fishing for other species more heat tolerant.