As spring approaches, Maine residents are being urged to remove certain yard decorations to prevent unwanted wildlife encounters. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) has issued a seasonal advisory recommending that homeowners take down bird feeders and store spilled seed between April 1st and November 1st to avoid attracting bears.
Why Should Bird Feeders Be Removed?
While bird feeders may seem like an innocent and enjoyable way to attract beautiful birds, they can also act as a strong magnet for wildlife, especially black bears. Bears are naturally drawn to food sources like birdseed, and a single feeder can invite these large animals into residential areas, leading to:
Property damage from foraging bears.
Increased risk of human-wildlife conflicts.
Unwanted encounters that could be dangerous for both residents and the bears.
According to MDIFW, storing bird feeders indoors during warmer months is one of the most effective ways to reduce the likelihood of bear visits.
Additional Steps to Bear-Proof Your Property
Apart from removing bird feeders, Maine officials recommend other steps to keep bears away from homes:
Secure garbage bins: Keep trash in bear-proof containers and store them indoors when possible.
Clean and store grills: Food residue and grease can attract bears—always clean your grill and store it inside when not in use.
Keep pet food indoors: Leaving pet food outside, especially overnight, can draw wildlife to your yard.
Eliminate food scraps: Ensure that compost bins and outdoor eating areas are free from leftover food or crumbs.
By following these simple precautions, homeowners can help reduce bear activity in their neighborhoods while also protecting local wildlife.
What About Avian Flu Concerns?
Some residents have expressed concerns about avian flu and whether it is safe to feed birds at all. Wildlife experts clarify that avian flu primarily affects poultry rather than wild birds. Therefore, unless you raise domestic birds, there is no reason to permanently stop feeding wild birds—just avoid feeding them in warmer months when bears are active.
What Happens If You Ignore These Warnings?
Failing to remove food sources like bird feeders increases the risk of bear encounters, which can lead to:
Damage to homes, porches, and sheds.
Increased bear habituation, meaning bears lose their natural fear of humans.
Potential state intervention if bear populations become too accustomed to residential areas.
By taking down feeders in the spring and securing food sources, Mainers can help protect their property while also keeping bears in their natural habitat.
Final Thoughts: Should You Remove Your Bird Feeder?
Maine’s wildlife officials strongly recommend taking down bird feeders between April and November to reduce bear attraction. While some homeowners may hesitate to remove them, doing so is an important step in responsible wildlife management.
What are your thoughts on this advisory? Do you think these precautions are necessary, or do you prefer to keep feeding birds year-round? Join the conversation and share your opinion!