A Germantown resident checked their Ring doorbell camera to see what appeared to be a black bear walking across their front yard earlier this week, just a couple weeks after the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) warned of bears emerging from their winter dens in search of food.
The sighting occurred this past Thursday on Black Rock Rd. in Germantown (near the Maryland SoccerPlex). Though black bears are more common in counties north of Montgomery County, there have been many encounters in the area in recent years. To avoid any potential danger, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources advises:
- Removing backyard bird feeders from April through November (birds have plenty of wild food sources during this time);
- Locking garbage in a bear-proof trash bin or storing trash containers in a locked garage or shed until the morning of trash pickup and rinsing out trash containers with ammonia to eliminate odors;
- Store pet food inside and do not leave food bowls unattended; and
- Storing cooking grills inside and keeping them clean of food residue.
“Bears are wild creatures that do not rely on humans for survival, and we want to keep them that way,” said Wildlife and Heritage Director Karina Stonesifer. “Just a few simple actions taken by our residents now, like removing food sources and other attractants, can reduce the chances of attracting bears and ensure the bears stay in their more natural habitat throughout the year.”