State Officials Offer Tips to Avoid Black Bear Encounters

North Carolina residents advised to remove potential food sources to prevent bear activity near homes.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:06am

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A repeating grid pattern of a stylized black bear icon rendered in bright neon colors and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the need to keep these wild animals away from human neighborhoods.Bright, bold imagery captures the need to keep black bears at a safe distance by removing potential food sources from residential areas.Today in Raleigh

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is partnering with BearWise to provide guidance for residents on how to avoid black bear encounters during the animals' active season from early spring through fall. Common attractants that can draw bears into neighborhoods include trash, bird feeders, grills, pet food, and food left in cars. Officials recommend securing these items to prevent bears from accessing them and lingering around homes and communities.

Why it matters

As black bears emerge from hibernation, they will be actively searching for food sources, which can lead to increased encounters with humans if proper precautions are not taken. Unsecured food attractants pose risks to both people and bears, so educating the public on preventative measures is important for public safety and bear conservation.

The details

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is working with the BearWise program to share tips for residents to avoid black bear encounters. Common attractants that can draw bears into neighborhoods include trash, bird feeders, grills, pet food, and food left in cars. Officials recommend securing these items and removing any potential food sources to prevent bears from accessing them and lingering around homes and communities.

  • Black bears emerge from hibernation in early spring.
  • The bears will be actively searching for food sources through the summer and fall months.

The players

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting North Carolina's wildlife resources.

BearWise

A program that provides guidance and resources to help people live responsibly alongside black bears.

Ashley Hobbs

The BearWise coordinator for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

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What they’re saying

“By being proactive in removing these attractants now, residents can avoid future interactions with black bears. The majority of calls about bears to our NC Wildlife Helpline involve some form of unsecured food attractant. When bears have access to food attractants, they're more likely to hang around our homes and communities. This puts people, pets, and bears at risk.”

— Ashley Hobbs, BearWise Coordinator, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

The takeaway

Educating the public on how to properly secure potential food sources and remove bear attractants from their properties is crucial for preventing dangerous encounters between humans and black bears as the animals become more active during the spring and summer months.