From Cascade Vacation Rentals  - August 22, 2019

Fall is the time of the year when bears start to fatten up for their winter hibernation and may be seen more often trying to find food.

 This year, we received a visit to our Lutsen Campus from a mama bear and her four little cubs! While they are very cute, we want to discourage their visits in this area that is frequented by people.

 Guests, when disposing of your trash please be sure to secure the bear bars and do not overfill the dumpster. Usually there is room in the back of the dumpster if the front of the dumpster is full. Please use caution when coming to dispose of trash. This mama was spotted here early in the morning but as we approach fall they may try to return at any time during the day. Watch the video for some more tips on being Bear Aware this time of the year. Tips taken from the Minnesota and Michigan DNR websites.

See more tips from the MNR below.

Bears are attracted to homes and cabins by garbage and bird feeders. Pet food, charcoal grills, fruit trees and gardens may also attract bears. Once a bear finds food around your home it will likely return.

Never feed bears--They will associate people with food and may become a problem.

To minimize bear problems on your property:

Bird feeders and bears DON'T MIX.

• Reduce garbage odors. Rinse food cans and wrappers before disposal.
• Compost vegetable scraps.
• Keep meat scraps in your freezer until garbage pickup day.
• Wash garbage cans regularly and use lime to cut odors.
• Keep garbage cans in a bear-proof container or in a garage until the morning of pickup.
• Remove bird feeders in the spring. If you persist in feeding birds during the summer, remove seed, suet, and hummingbird feeders at night.
• Keep pet food inside.
• Keep barbecue grills and picnic tables clean.
• Use an energized fence* to keep bears out of beehives, sweet corn, fruit trees and berry patches. Barking dogs, bright lights and noisemakers will sometimes discourage bears from coming into an area.

*An energized fence is powered by a low-impedance, high-voltage energizer which provides a short-duration, high-energy impulse.

If a bear comes into your yard:

Bears in trees should be left alone.

• Don't panic! Don't shoot! Don't approach it!
• Learn to tolerate bears. Many bears are killed or injured when not causing problems.
• Most bears fear people and will leave when they see you. If a bear woofs, snaps its jaws, slaps the ground or brush, or bluff charges, you are too close!
• Back away slowly.
• Go inside and wait for the bear to leave.

If a bear refuses to leave:

• Make loud noises or throw something to scare it away.
• Always allow the bear an escape route.

If the bear is treed:

• Leave it alone! The bear will usually go away when it feels safe.
• Have people leave the area.
• Remove your dog from the area.

Learn to tolerate bears. Many bears are killed or injured when not causing problems.