Westchester County is home a wide variety of wildlife including Black Bears. In the past few years there have been increased sightings of bears in our area. In order to protect both people and our local bears we ask that our county legislators enact bear safe ordinaces. States and cities across the United States in bear territory commonly enact preventative laws that reduce the chances of conflict between bears and humans, these common sense laws mean bears don't become habituated to seeking food from humans, which drastically reduces chances of conflict. 

We ask our Westchester legislators to consider Bear Smart bylaws and ordinances, which prohibit the supply of unnatural foods to bears because of intent, neglect or irresponsible management of attractants. Enforcement, with escalating penalties, and educational programs for local children and adults.

Some examples of successful Bear Safe ordinaces:

• Garbage (from temporary receptacles) at special community events (festivals, ball tournaments, concerts, etc.) must be removed at the end of each day’s activities.
• No person shall fail to take remedial action to avoid contact or conflict with wildlife after being advised by the bylaw enforcement officer that such action is necessary.
• Remedial action may include, but is not limited to securing, in a wildlife-resistant enclosure, all garbage containers, and the removal of cooking grills or barbecues, pet food, bird feeders or any other attractants.
• Bird feeders containing seed, nuts, suet or hummingbird nectar may be allowed with certain restrictions during the non-denning period. Feeders must be suspended from a cable or other device so that they are inaccessible to bears. The area below the feeder should be kept free of accumulations of seed.
• Barbecues must be kept clean and any residual attractant must be burnt off the grill. Grease cans must be stored indoors where they are inaccessible to wildlife.
• Include community composting requirements in high-risk areas of the community.
• Ensure that chickens, and beehives are inaccessible to animals by use of properly maintained electrified fencing.

Money generated from bylaw/ordinance enforcement can go towards a special fund set aside to address human-bear conflicts in Westchester, such as the purchase of additional bear-proof waste containers or the funding of local wildlife education programs.

Link to Bear Safe Sample Model Ordinance.