03/13/2020- Spring is on its way and for many people in our area, that means so are the black bears wandering into yards looking for something to eat. Bears soon will be rising from hibernation and the Michigan DNR is recommending residents consider taking down bird feeders and removing any other food sources that might attract wildlife. Despite the abundance of natural food sources available in the springtime, bears prefer bird feeds and suet because of their high fat content and easy accessibility. When bears discover a bird feeder filled with a calorie-rich meal, they won’t soon forget and could become repeat visitors, so homeowners should take action to limit bear conflicts by taking down bird feeders, storing grills and trash cans in sealed buildings and cleaning all substances of food debris. Anyone who continues to experience bear problems is encouraged to contact the nearest DNR office and speak with the local staff for assistance.