Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials warn residents that bears are already emerging from their dens and are in the valley looking for easy food sources.

Bear and lion specialist Erik Wenum says now is the time to secure garbage, pet food and other attractants around a home.

After a bear emerges, he says, it takes a few weeks for its digestive system to get back to normal. The bear has been in the den for 4-5 months without eating, defecating, or urinating, so the stomach and digestive system are empty. Bears start out eating dry grass or roughage to activate the digestive system. Once the bears system is up and running the search for higher quality foods begins.

Here are some simple tips provided by FWP to avoid bear conflicts:

·Secure garbage inside a garage or shed

·Roll garbage out the morning of pick up not the night before.

·If you haul your own trash, take it to the landfill more often - don’t stockpile.

·Feed pets inside or bring food in at night

·Clean up livestock food or food put out for wildlife

·Bring in bird feeders, clean up spilled seed

·Haul any livestock carcasses to the landfill

·Protect chickens or other fowl with electric fencing.

Guidelines for electric fencing are available at FWP’s website or contact FWP’s Bear Management Specialists.

To report bear issues please contact FWP at 752-5501