Nearly 100 residents turned out for a recent “Living with Black Bears and Coyotes” presentation in Meadows of Dan, and judging by the show of hands, encounters with black bears are becoming a familiar experience for local residents.
The program was presented by Southwest Piedmont Master Naturalists Norma Bozenmayer, Valinda Dyer, Julie Currier and Dayna Gibson. It was sponsored by the Meadows of Dan Ruritans.
When attendees were asked who had recently seen a black bear in the wild, nearly every hand in the room went up.
The presentation covered black bear behavior, ways to avoid conflicts and what to do if someone encounters a bear.
One of the key messages was the importance of keeping black bears wild by reducing food sources and other attractants around homes and properties.
The presentation also gave residents an opportunity to ask questions and share concerns about encounters with bears and coyotes. The discussion was lively, with attendees raising a variety of questions about wildlife in the area.
For more information about black bears, coyotes and other Virginia wildlife, visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website at dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife.
Residents with questions or concerns about wildlife encounters can also contact the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Hotline at 1-855-571-9003 or [email protected].
