Black Bear near Omena & Northport!

UPDATE: There’s a black bear eyeballing feeders in Leland too!!

Last night in the Northport Michigan Neighbors group on Facebook, Karen Janus shared this photo from her Ring doorbell of a black bear going after her bird feeders!

She relates that she’s between Northport & Omena and that he took them down along with two hummingbird feeders, so it’s a good time to check in with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for their tips on staying safe around bears!

Black bears have enormous appetites and an excellent sense of smell. They are capable of remembering the locations of food sources from year to year and will travel great distances to find food.

They are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders, eating both plant and animal matter. Problems occur when bears attempt to feed on human foods, garbage, pet foods, or birdseed.

Black bears are generally fearful of humans and will leave if they are aware of your presence. In the rare circumstance that you encounter a bear that does not turn and leave, first try to scare it off by yelling while leaving a clear, unobstructed escape route for the bear. If the bear stands its ground, makes threatening sounds, or bluff charges, you are too close. Take slow steps backward while continuing to talk to the bear in a stern tone.

In the rare event of an attack, fight back with a backpack, stick, or your bare hands. DO NOT run or play dead.