Spring brings blooms, bugs and black bears, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources advises.

This time of year, bears are leaving their dens and will be searching for food sources to replenish their bodies after eating very little since last fall, the DNR states in a news release. To prevent a backyard bear encounter, take bird feeders down, bring garbage cans inside and remove outdoor pet foods.

As bears leave dens, they will first pursue water and fresh vegetation to flush their systems. While those foods are abundant and accessible, the calorie-rich offerings of bird seed, garbage, beehives and pet foods are a mighty prize to a hungry black bear, the DNR states.

Allowing bears to eat from food sources near homes can often lead to problems for both the people who live there and the bears. Feeding from these types of food sources can turn bears into repeat visitors that may lose their fear of humans, cause damage to property or create dangerous situations for people, livestock and pets.

“The spring is a critical time to think strategically about your backyards and outdoor spaces.” said Rachel Lincoln, Michigan DNR wildlife outreach coordinator. “Removing food sources now before they attract wildlife can save you time, money and stress, and keep wildlife safely foraging at a distance for the rest of the year.”

Lincoln suggested these steps to avoid problems with bears and other wildlife:

— Remove bird feeders. Birds will soon have an abundance of natural food sources available. Those who enjoy watching birds in their yard should consider replacing feeders with bird baths or nest boxes or planting native flowers and grasses to attract birds year after year. Go on the Audubon website, https://www.audubon.org/plantsforbirds?utm_campaign=bears+bird+feeders+spring+2024&utm_medium=pr&utm_source=govdelivery, to learn more about native plants that birds love.

— Bring in outdoor pet foods and keep grills and patio furniture clean. A bear’s nose is so strong it can smell food up to a mile away.

— Secure garbage cans indoors overnight. Taking the trash out in the morning may seem inconvenient but it’s far easier than cleaning up scattered trash from a torn bag left out overnight.

— Protect beehives and small apiaries with electric fencing. Apiaries — locations where beehives are kept — are a calorie jackpot for bears. Keep bees and beehives safe by installing an electric fence. Recommendations for fence materials and design can be found at https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/-/media/Project/Websites/dnr/Documents/WLD/Bear/apiary_brochure.pdf?utm_campaign=bears+bird+feeders+spring+2024&utm_medium=pr&utm_source=govdelivery.

Don’t wait until a bear is seen to act — remove food sources now and keep Michigan’s black bears at a distance.

To learn more about preventing conflicts with bears, go to Michigan.gov/Wildlife or contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.