HSV Bear in Mind – Don’t Feed the Bears

We live in the middle of a forest, and with that comes all kinds of wild creatures, including bears. It is a little early in the year, and while we are unsure if any bears have been sighted in the Village yet this spring, a property owner suggested that getting ahead of the issue would be a good idea. I enjoyed discussing the subject with David Harper, Hot Springs Village POA Superintendent of Lakes, Dams, Common Property, Forestry, and Wildlife.

Harper said BearWise.org provides good information about safety and dealing with bears. The website states, “The BearWise® program was developed by black bear biologists and is supported by the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies.”

After a long winter’s nap

Most bears leave their dens in April after a long winter’s nap. According to BearWise, bears can lose between 20 to 50 percent of their body weight during hibernation. In the spring, they still rely on their fat reserves for energy. Initially, after waking, they spend a few days hydrating, consuming roughage, and getting active again. Once they’ve adjusted, bears start looking for more substantial food because, as you can imagine, after being without food for such a long period, they have a bear-sized appetite. Due to their excellent memory, bears that previously feasted on high-calorie foods provided by humans will often return to these sources, hoping for similar finds.

Harper said the bears near the Village are starting to move right now. “Trees are starting to bud, and as soon as the blackberries, muscadines, and other berries ripen, the bears become more active. The bears in the Village don’t live here. They are passing through.”

Harper said some of the BearWise recommendations are:

• Never feed or approach bears. Feeding bears can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans, and eliminating their human-provided food source encourages them to look elsewhere for sustenance.
• Store your pet food indoors.
• Remove your bird feeder when the bears are active. An HSV Gazette article from last year stated this should be done in the latter part of May, June, and July.
• Clean all grease and food particles off your grills and, if possible, store them in a secure area.
• Bears are attracted to food and food odors. Secure your food, garbage, and recycling.
• Dogs and bears do not mix. For your dog’s safety, keep him leashed at all times. Both Saline and Garland County ordinances require leashing dogs in the Village.
• Spread the word to your neighbors if you see a bear.

“If you see a bear in your backyard, bang some pots and pans to scare it away,” said Harper.

Bear spray is a deterrent that can be purchased at hunting supply stores or online. It is composed of red pepper oil, specifically oleoresin of capsaicin, which causes inflammation in the eyes and upper respiratory system. When used correctly, bear spray can be highly effective in deterring an aggressive bear.

Mama bear can be grouchy

Harper warned, “Don’t ever get between a sow and her cubs. She will do what is natural and protect her kids. Usually, bear aggression comes from females with cubs. The mother will pop her teeth and growl.” The cubs are born in January or early February.

News spreads fast in Hot Springs Village

Due to social media, most of the community is also aware if somebody sees a bear in the village. If you see a bear, email David Harper at dharper@hsvpoa.org. He said he would investigate and involve Arkansas Game and Fish. The Game and Fish officer will observe the bear. If necessary, the bear will be trapped and relocated. Once trapped, the bear will have an ear tag with an identification number. This is how repeat offenders are identified.

Bye bye bear

In 2023, Arkansas Game and Fish were called to Hot Springs Village to relocate a bear that became aggressive towards a property owner. Harper stated, “Most bears are more afraid of you than you are of them. Stand still and ease back if you are walking on a trail and see a bear. Don’t make any sudden movements or run.”

By Cheryl Dowden