Thief River Falls, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Authorities in the Thief River Falls area are dealing with an increasing number of nuisance-bear complaints. Conservation Officer Jeremy Woinarowicz is urging homeowners to take preventive measures to avoid attracting bears to their properties.
Bears are not just attracted to sweets, meats, and compost piles. Homeowners should also be cautious about leaving out fruit, vegetables, bird seed, barbecue grills, and dirty diapers, as these items can draw bears looking for a meal. Additionally, pet foods stored in bins and sheds can attract bears. If feeding pets outside, ensure all food is consumed in one feeding.
Wildlife officials recommend regularly washing and rinsing garbage cans to eliminate odors that might attract bears. Adding ammonia, bleach, or camphor to trash cans may help reduce food odors but does not guarantee bears will avoid the trash. Once bears develop a taste for human food, they become more challenging to deter.