A Timely Reminder

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  A timely reminder: The combination of a mild winter and abundant fall food, specifically beechnuts, has caused bears to be more active this winter compared to winters in the past. Females with cubs continue to den and have remained inactive. However, young bears and males have been out and about in different parts of the state in recent weeks.

  
  

   Bears den primarily as a response to periods when ...food is limited. Weather plays less of a role. Given that food remains very available, bears have been more active than normal. 

  
  

   There really is no harm for the bear to be active during winter. If they were having difficultly finding food or were food stressed, they would return to a den. 

  
  

   In any event, anticipate that bears will likely be out early this spring so be vigilant and take down bird feeders at the appropriate time.