Porcupine Soup is reporting the state Department of Environmental Conservation is asking residents to take down their bird feeders by April 1, to avoid attracting black bears. “Bears are emerging from their dens and have begun seeking out food sources," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a statement. “...Fish and Wildlife staff at DEC have received reports of bears getting into garbage and pulling down bird feeders to eat the seed. It's important that homeowners take measures to prevent bears from easily accessing these unnatural food sources.” According to the DEC, a black bear must consume 15,000 to 20,000 calories each day, and a typical bird feeder contains approximately 12,000, making it an appealing target for a hungry bear. In many cases, birdseed is the food of choice and will be sought out over other natural foods, DEC says. If bears become accustomed to feeding in yards and around homes and people, they may cause property damage and will likely become a nuisance. Feeding bears intentionally, which is illegal, or unintentionally through carelessness, has consequences for entire communities. In addition to taking down bird feeders by April 1, residents are advised to store garbage inside secure buildings and to feed pets indoors. The DEC says bird feeding should occur only during the winter months when bears are in their dens. Birds do not require supplemental feeding, especially during the warmer months Read the full story at porcupine soup [dot] com.