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Warmer weather means a change in tactics

‘Bear essentials’ of springtime feeding

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recommends taking in bird feeders from yards to discourage bears from feeding from them. Warmer weather brings out the urge in animals to seek food for their young. (Photo courtesy of the DNR)

MARQUETTE — Warmer weather means people can sit back and enjoy the wildlife that comes to their homes, right? Not necessarily.

Higher temperatures mean many animals seek food for their young. During this time, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources asks people to help their communities, and be good neighbors to wildlife, by removing bird feeders and other food sources that might attract wildlife.

Bird feeders can attract a variety of animals, not just birds. Species such as squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, opossums and black bears will take advantage of the easy access. Small animals such as mice and chipmunks that visit feeders would attract larger predators such as hawks, foxes and coyotes.

“It might seem odd to think that bears would eat bird seed, but they love it and remember food site locations after they find them,” said John Pepin, DNR deputy public information officer, in an email. “Black bears naturally eat a range of foods including seeds, nuts and fruits, items familiar to those who feed birds.”

Residents of parts of the western Upper Peninsula should make sure white-tailed deer can’t get to their feeders. Baiting and feeding are banned in these parts, as well as the Lower Peninsula, to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease. In areas where baiting is banned, scents placed to entice deer, whether they’re made from natural or synthetic materials, must be placed so deer cannot access them for consumption. They also must be placed in such a manner to prohibit any physical contact with deer.

The DNR has issued tips for feeding birds and squirrels, which will help people enjoy this hobby legally while still protecting deer:

≤ Use feeders that make it difficult or impossible for deer to access feed. Tube feeders, hopper-style feeders and cage-style suet feeders provide minimal access for deer but still allow woodpeckers, chickadees and goldfinches to visit. Deer and other large mammals can, however, easily access platform and fly-through feeders, so these are not recommended.

≤ Use feeds that are less attractive to deer, but still enjoyed by backyard birds. Thistle seed, suet and hummingbird nectar are less likely to attract deer than whole or cracked corn, black oil sunflower seeds and other seeds usually found in bird seed mixes.

≤ Put on only the amount of feed birds will eat in one day. Deer tend not to frequent empty feeders.

≤ Place feeders and feed in spots less accessible to deer. Deer can reach feeders up to about 5 feet off the ground or a packed snow surface, so feeders should be placed at least 6 feet off the ground or snow surface.

≤ Putting feeders directly next to windows is safer for birds since they are less likely to hit windows if they are within 3 feet of them. Feeders placed close to homes also might deter deer from feeding at them.

≤ If there is an outside dog, birds should be fed about the dog’s spot. Birds will become accustomed to the dog, but deer won’t have feeder access.

≤ Install woven wire fencing, about 4 feet or taller, around the feeders to prevent deer from reaching over or through to feed. Yards also can be fenced with woven wire fencing at least 10 feet tall to prevent deer from entering.

≤ Keep the area around feeders clean since scattered seed can attract deer and other mammals. Place a platform, at least 5 feet off the ground, under a hanging feeder to catch spilled feed. The platform should be cleaned daily if not more often.

≤ Mess-free bird seed options are available at stores to reduce the amount of seed and seed shells beneath feeders.

More tips on handling conflicts with wildlife are available at Michigan.gov/Wildlife. For more information, contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.

Christie Mastric can be reached at cbleck@miningjournal.net.

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