BY KAREN BOSSICK

It’s felt like it’s the Christmas holidays in Atkinsons Market so many vacationers are crowding into the store aisles.

Second homeowners and visitors aren’t the only ones who are on the search for food.

Idaho Fish and Game officers say there has been an increase in reports of black bears moving through Ketchum, Hailey and Bellevue neighborhoods looking for food. And many are getting into unsecured garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other easily accessible food sources.

This year’s dry conditions make natural food sources more difficult to find, increasing the likelihood that they’ll do their shopping in residential areas. And, when they find it, they can become food-conditioned making them more likely to return to neighborhoods.

The problem could become more pronounced as bears prepare for hibernation. During this time, they enter a period of intense feeding, consuming 20,000-plus calories a day to build fat reserves for winter.

Bears that become accustomed to finding food around homes also can become increasingly bold and may even defend their food source, creating safety concerns, said Kenzie Baratti, Magic Valley’s Regional Communications Manager.

Relocation can be stressful for bears as it forces them into unfamiliar territory where they must compete with established bears for food and space. Many do not survive, killed by other bears or even being struck by vehicles as they try to return to their original location.

The City of Ketchum mandated bear-resistant garbage cans for its residents this past year. Those who have such a garbage can are reminded to make sure the lid is fully latched and that garage is not overflowing.

Those without bear-resistant containers are asked to store them in a garage or secure shed until pickup day.

Bird feeders should be removed in spring and put back out after bears have retreated to their dens. And fruit should be picked as soon as it ripens. Fruit that’s fallen to the ground should be picked up.

Questions? Call the Magic Valley Regional office at 208-324-4359.