In response to a growing number of human-bear conflicts in recent years, the DEC has banned the intentional and unintentional feeding of the animals.
The regulations announced Friday forbid feeding black bears regardless of intent. For those who unintentionally provide food to bears through improperly stored garbage or backyard bird feeders, state Department of Environmental Conservation said it would first give a warning. The agency would then have authority to require removal of the attractants when bears become problematic, according to a media release from the DEC.
Beginning about a decade ago, black bears in Region 4 have expanded their range from strongholds in the Catskills. This has occurred to such a degree that the agency has allowed more opportunities for bear hunting in the region.
Beekeeper Clem Murphy of Hamden said bears have definitely been on the rise, and it has not gone unnoticed by fellow beekeepers.
With each hive valued at about $600, and with 12 hives a common number in a group, a bear can easily cause a beekeeper a $6,000 loss, he said.
"I have known beekeepers to quit because of bears," Murphy said.
Murphy said electric fencing around his hive is the only way he can stay in business.
There were 154 reports of nuisance bears in Region 4 last year, DEC Region 4 spokesman Rick Georgeson said.
Region 4 includes Albany, Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Montgomery, Otsego, Rennselaer, Schenectady and Schoharie counties.
Most of the nuisance bears were reported in Delaware and Greene counties, Georgeson said.
Not including those taken by hunters, 19 bears were killed in the region. Of these, six were legally put down by beekeepers, eight were taken through nuisance bear permits, one was killed by local law enforcement and another was shot by the DEC, Georgeson said.
It is uncommon to relocate bears because nuisance bears will retain their behavior in a new location, and bears have also been known to return to their original territory from as far as 100 miles away, he said.
Murphy said he wishes there was something other than a "lead" solution for nuisance bears.
"I know they are a pain in the neck, but I kind of like them," he said.
The bear problem, in some situations, can also be looked at as a case of humans expanding into bear territory, Murphy said.
Under former regulations, bear baiting with food in some situations and locations was allowed.
The DEC suggests the following measures to deter black bears:
"¢ Do not place food outdoors to attract raccoons, birds, squirrels or other wildlife. Bears destroying bird feeders is a common problem. Stop feeding birds when the snow melts in the spring.
"¢ Do not leave garbage where bears can get to it. Dispose of grease, fat, bacon and other meats in sealed containers.
"¢ Clean garbage cans frequently with ammonia or bleach.
"¢ Use plastic bags inside garbage cans to help hide odors.
"¢ Place camphor disks in garbage cans to mask food odors. Other items, including mothballs, air fresheners and ammonia-soaked rags, may also work.
"¢ Store garbage cans in a secure place, such as a garage, rather than on a porch. They can also be hung out of reach.
"¢ Clean refrigerators and other insulated containers left outside.
"¢ Remove grease from gas and charcoal grills after every use.
"¢ Clean barbecue pits and grills thoroughly before leaving them outside.
"¢ Turn off kitchen exhaust fans that vent to the outside.
"¢ Do not feed family pets outside.
"¢ If a bear becomes a problem, leave outdoor lights on or a radio playing all night.
Local News
DEC bans feeding of bears
- Local News
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Memorial Day hits home for local hamlet
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BURLINGTON FLATS -- As memories of past wars become more distant, the significance of Memorial Day has faded for many people. For them, the holiday has become a sort of welcoming party for the oncoming summer season, a time to have a picnic or go to the lake.
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On the Bright Side: Area girl becomes fourth sister named Dairy Princess
A family tradition continued Friday with the crowning of the Delaware County Dairy Princess.
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Police: Student made gun threat in Walton
Two adults were arrested Wednesday following an investigation of a student threat about an upcoming incident at Walton Central School, Walton police said. There was never any immediate danger at the school, Superintendent Thomas Austin aid.
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SPCA's costs for seized dogs grow
COOPERSTOWN -- The Susquehanna SPCA has racked up more than $80,000 in expenses from caring for the dozens of dogs seized last winter from a Worcester dog dealer, according to the head of the local humane agency.
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Two Oneonta women busted after traffic stop
Two Oneonta women were arrested May 17, one on possession of crack cocaine, following a traffic stop on I-88 in Worcester.
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Man arrested after 2-month drug investigation
A Bronx man was arrested Thursday following a two-month investigation by Otsego deputies and Oneonta police.
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C'town All-Star Village to open this summer
A court ruling issued Friday means that an Oneonta baseball camp can focus on having a successful season, Cooperstown All-Star Village President Martin Patton said.
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Memorial Day hours
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Saying goodbye hurts most when the experience has been worthwhile
This is my last Reporter's Notebook column for The Daily Star.
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Memorial Day events: Chenango County
Memorial Day events for Chenango County
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Memorial Day events: Delaware County
Memorial Day events for Delaware County
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Memorial Day events: Otsego County
Memorial Day events for Otsego County
- Friday, May 25, 2012
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2 retired Salvation Army majors honored with Oneonta luncheon
Two recently retired Salvation Army majors were feted with a luncheon Thursday.
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Study: Area unemployment holds steady
The number of private sector jobs in New York is at an all-time high, according to the state Labor Department, which also recently reported steady unemployment at 8.1 percent statewide in April.
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Truck overturns on I-88
A tractor-trailer carrying watermelons overturned on Interstate 88 on Thursday morning, resulting in a closure of the highway in the city of Oneonta.
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Two school districts look for ways to pass budgets
Two area schools with budgets defeated in May 15 voting are at different stages in their plans to bring the issue back to voters June 19.
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Hartwick students to be honored this weekend
Hartwick College will celebrate its 81st commencement at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
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DEP opens additional reservoir space for boating
DEP officials participated in ceremonies this week at the Neversink, Pepacton and Schoharie reservoirs to mark the addition of more than 12,500 acres of recreational boating space in those reservoirs.
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Stamford man sentenced on sexual abuse charges
A Stamford man pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree sexual abuse in Delaware County Court on Monday. Damien Falconio, 28, was sentenced to five years in prison on each count, to be served concurrently, and eight years’ post-release supervision.
- Thursday, May 24, 2012
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3 local museums to offer free admission to military
Three local institutions are participating in Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and museums nationwide that offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
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