Spotting a black bear is the stuff of bucket lists. Spying one yanking bird feeders off the deck verges into the too-close-for-comfort category.
95% of the Game and Fish Commission's nuisance bear calls come during spring and involve yearling male bears. They've been chased off by mom as it's time for her to breed again, and, like a teenage boy, finding food is top priority.
Early spring is tough on bears. Until berries begin ripening in a couple months, they scratch out an existence on tree buds, grasses and insects. Unsuspecting people may provide a buffet for bears; birdseed, pet food, livestock feed, household garbage and beehives. It's critical that neighboring landowners clean up foods that tantalize bears.
You can learn more about black bears at the Arkansas Wildlife YouTube channel.
