ALBANY — With spring on the doorstep, animals who have been in hibernation are starting to emerge.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation reminded residents to take precautions to avoid human encounters with black bears, which are dangerous to both people and bears. Though skiddish for the most part and rarely seen, there are estimated to be several thousand black bears in the Adirondacks, according to the DEC.

DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton reminded New Yorkers to remove or secure outdoor food sources that may attract black bears. Throughout the spring and early summer months, black bears have depleted fat reserves and will search extensively for easily obtainable, calorie-dense foods.

This can lead to an increase in the potential for human-bear conflicts near homes and residential areas, especially before the spring green-up when natural food sources for bears are scarce.

“Across New York state, black bears are emerging from their winter dens looking for something good to eat, including human-created sources like bird feeders, grills, and pet food,” Lefton said. “Repeated access to these food sources can make bears bolder, so (the) DEC encourages New Yorkers to practice the BearWise basics to help keep bears wild and prevent the potential for human-bear conflicts.”

The DEC advises New Yorkers to reduce the potential for human-bear conflicts to protect bears and themselves by practicing the BearWise basics:

¯ Empty feeders and clean spilled seed and let nature feed the birds from spring through fall.

¯ Empty feeders and clean spilled seed and let nature feed the birds from spring through fall.

¯ Secure or store garbage and recycling cans in a sturdy building.

¯ Clean and remove residual grease and food from grills and smokers.

¯ Keep pets and livestock food indoors; those with chicken coops or apiaries should consider installing an electric fence to protect flocks and hives.

Lastly, neighbors should alert neighbors to any bear activity so they can take these same precautions.

New Yorkers are advised to never feed or approach bears. Feeding bears intentionally is dangerous and illegal. Bears that become habituated to being fed can become a threat to people and property, as they become increasingly less afraid of humans — and are more likely to exhibit aggressive approaches and behavior as they attempt to obtain food from people.

By taking time to practice the BearWise basics, such as removing any unnatural food attractants and encouraging neighbors to do the same, New Yorkers are helping keep bears away from people, homes and neighborhoods. That helps keep bears healthy, wild and safe.

For more information on how to live responsibly with black bears from the DEC, visit tinyurl.com/a4a6hytj. The DEC also recommends bearwise.org as an online resource for people to learn more about black bears and how to live responsibly with them.

For a video made by the DEC on reducing bear conflicts while camping, visit tinyurl.com/37mvz4sf. For a DEC video on reducing backyard bear conflicts, visit tinyurl.com/28k7exfk.