FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky officials say black bears are wandering around again after a winter in their dens and are looking for food.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources says hungry black bears are roaming the mountains of southeastern Kentucky but may wander farther.
The agency says people can resolve most issues with bears by removing or securing sources of food such as garbage, food scraps, pet food and bird feeders. Residents in bear areas should wait until the morning of pickup before putting garbage out.
Fish and Wildlife bear program biologist John Hast says even in May, natural foods are still sparse and bears are looking for something to eat. Feeding bears is against Kentucky law.
Hast says bears that have been fed by humans lose their fear of people and may have to be captured and destroyed.