The Daily Freeman reports about ways to discourage bears from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The DEC says they have fielded 63 reports of “human-bear conflicts” in Ulster County this year, up just three from the same point last year. The weather has been dry locally, and if that trend continues, bears might be looking for food in areas they do not usually travel. The DEC website says “bears will readily utilize human-created food sources" and that “repeat access” can make them bolder and “lead to an increase in human-bear conflicts around homes and residential areas, especially when natural food sources are scarce.” The DEC recommends securing trash bins and residents can consider masking garbage odors with ammonia-soaked rags. The DEC also recommends removing bird feeders and says that “any food items used to attract birds, squirrels, or other wildlife will also attract bears." The DEC also says, “If you frequently find bears foraging in your garbage cans, despite proper storage, consider using a bear-resistant trash container and, if you use a trash service, take out trash just before your scheduled pickup. Do not put garbage at the curb the night before." The agency also recommends turning up the heat on the grill to high for several minutes after you’re done cooking to burn off residual odors. Read more about this story in the Daily Freeman.