DEC reminding people to watch out for bears

WNYT Staff

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Bears are coming out of hibernation around the Capital Region.

The Department of Environmental Conservation warns everyone to take down birdfeeders and secure garbage cans to avoid issues with black bears.

This is the time of year they come out of their dens.

Access to birdfeeders and garbage cans make bears bolder.

Feeding them intentionally – in case you are thinking about it – is illegal.

In this July 25, 2014, file photo, a black bear in captivity awaits handouts at the the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, Maine.[AP Photo / Robert F. Bukaty, File]