Bears look for food in western North Carolina neighborhoods

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Experts say black bears are moving into neighborhoods in western North Carolina in search of food.

Henderson County wildlife biologist Justin McVey told The Times-News of Hendersonville that bears came out of hibernation around March, a bit earlier than usual because of warmer temperatures.

The biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission says natural food sources are a bit scarce early in the season, so bears are looking through trash cans for food. McVey says the acorn crop was not good last year and berries and other natural food sources have not quite ripened yet.

He says that means more bears around garbage and bird feeders. McVey says most problems people have with black bears can be resolved by removing potential food sources that bears could reach.

Cox Media Group