If a bear finds a consistent food source in an area frequented by people, it becomes much more difficult to handle. This is because it may lose its natural fear of people and become an increased nuisance. Such bears are far more likely to be hit by a motor vehicle, illegally killed or in rare situations, destroyed as a nuisance or threat to people. Some studies suggest that when a bear loses its natural fear of people, its life expectancy is cut by as much as one-half. Berchielli advises that the key to preventing most problems between bears and people is to eliminate their artificial food source.
Bears are very attracted to bird seed, most pet and livestock food, garbage and barbecue grills.
Birds don't really need supplemental food in the late spring and summer. This is the time of year when natural food for birds is most abundant. If you feel you must feed birds year-round, bring your feeders in each night or add ground cayenne pepper to the seed. This will not bother the birds but will deter bears and squirrels. Dispose of garbage as frequently as possible.