Maine’s Dry Conditions Could Keep Bears Hungry into Summer

Maine wildlife officials say the current dry conditions mean even more bears will be coming out of the woods, looking for food sources.

We're already hearing about bear sightings around Maine, including one not far from where I live in Orrington. It gives me pause, as I leave the house at dawn. I always take an extra beat, on my way out the door, to scope out the yard and see if any four-legged neighbors have stopped by to visit.

The wandering bears usually head back into the woods in summer, to feast on their usual diet. But the dry conditions could cause a shortage of things like berries and beechnuts, which is going to send those bears right back into neighborhoods.

I chatted recently with Maine bear biologist, Jen Vachon, who gave me some great tips about how to avoid attracting bears to your yard, and what to do if you do come across a bear.