Official Site of The State of New Jersey
- Avoid feeding birds if you live in an area frequented by black bears. Birds will survive without the supplemental seed that attracts bears.
- If you choose to feed birds, do so during daylight hours only, between December 1 and April 1, when bears are least active.
- Suspend feeder from a free-hanging wire, making sure it is at least 10 feet off the ground and at least 10 feet away from the trunk of a tree. (See diagram right)
- Do not suspend feeders off of the house or deck.
- Keep in mind that black bears are excellent climbers!
- Bring bird feeders indoors at night.
- Use spill pans to prevent seeds from reaching the ground.
- Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
- Store birdfeed within a secure location where bears are unlikely to see or smell it.
