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According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the state’s bear population is doing “extremely well” and has tripled since the 1980s, but this calls for precautions as the bruins awaken from their wintry slumber.

The DNR warns that bears are likely to be hungry and highly interested in bird feeders, garbage cans, dirty picnic table or pet food left outside.

Most bears are in the northern third of the state, but they’re becoming more common in Wisconsin’s southern reaches, the department reports.

Its recommendations for avoiding bears with grumbling stomachs include taking down bird feeders, rinsing food cans before tossing them out to reduce food odors, freezing meat bones before disposal (for the same reason), storing pet food inside, and cleaning grills and picnic tables.

But what if you do encounter a curious bruin? Here’s the DNR’s advice:

“If a bear is near your home, wave your arms and make noise to scare it away. Then back away slowly or go inside and wait for the bear to leave. When scaring the bear away, make sure it has a clear escape route. Never corner a bear.”

Words to live by. The DNR notes that if your home has drawn the attention of a bear, it may return for several days, even if the trash or food source is removed.

What if you stumble upon one in the woods?

“Stay calm, don’t shoot the bear or approach it. Give it space, walk away and watch from a distance. Do not approach sows with cubs.”

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