Common Sense Advice On Bear Safety

[Smallie_Stalker]

I know this isn't fishing related but this safety advice from the New Hampshire Fish And Game Department just might help save your life or the life of a beloved pet.

Fish and Game recommends that people take the following action to reduce the chances of a bear visiting your home or campsite:

Stop all bird feeding by April 1, or as soon as snow melts.
Clean up any spilled birdseed and dispose of it in the trash.
Secure all garbage in airtight containers inside a garage or adequate storage area, and put garbage out on the morning of pickup, not the night before.
Avoid putting meat or other food scraps in your compost pile.
Don't leave pet food dishes outside overnight.
Clean and store outdoor grills after each use.
Do not leave food, grease or garbage unsecured around campsites.
Store food and coolers in a closed vehicle or secured area while camping.
Finally, never intentionally feed bears!

If you have questions about bear-related problems, you can get advice by calling a toll-free number coordinated jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department:  1-888-749-2327 (1-888-SHY-BEAR).