Bears will travel great distances to feed

WASHINGTON -- Bears will emerge from their dens in coming weeks. As they do, you'll want to be aware that they'll travel great distances to feed that post-hibernation hunger.

"They can travel long distances. When I say that it can be 100 miles, 75 miles, 150 miles. We actually had a bear on the Eastern Shore," says Bob Beyer with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service.

Just because you don't live in bear country doesn't mean you won't run into one. Bears are showing up with more frequency in Frederick and Montgomery counties.

"We're starting to see more and more bears in the more residential areas."

Beyer recommends taking down your bird feeders for a few weeks.

"If you've got bird feeders out, bears come in," he says.

"If they happen to be on your deck and they're trying to get your bird feeders, you can yell and scream, bang pots and pans or whatever that you've got in the house."

If you outside and see a bear with a cub, you'll want to get away from them. Mom will be very protective.

"The best thing to do is stand erect and back away slowly, if you can," advises Beyer, should you have a close encounter.

On lighter note, he says bears aren't the worst of your worries.

"You've got a better chance of dying from a bee sting than you do a bear."

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