Wisconsin wildlife officials urge people to leave bears alone as they emerge from dens

Post date: Mar 12, 2012 1:37:31 PM

Article by: Associated Press

Updated: March 11, 2012 - 10:26 AM

MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin wildlife officials are urging people to leave bears alone as they emerge from hibernation.

Department of Natural Resources wardens say they're already dealing with people throwing food at bears and crowding a sow and cubs in Eau Claire County. The sow already is showing signs of aggressive behavior, indicating it feels threatened.

DNR bear experts say bears don't need human food and trying to give them some amounts to harassment, not charity. They say if people keep bothering sows the animals may abandon their cubs.