The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department says it's getting more complaints about bear visits.
Colonel David LeCours says people often inadvertently encourage bears to come out of the forest by providing food without realizing it. Some of the most common attractions are pet food, bird feeders, barbecue grills, household trash containers or dumpsters, and campsites.
The department says bears that have found food near someone's house nearly always return to find more. Relocating a nuisance bear is very difficult and they frequently have to be put down.
State law says residents must take reasonable measures to protect their property from bears, such as keeping chickens and honeybees secure within an electric fence or other bear-proof enclosure; feeding pets indoors; and storing trash securely.
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