Living responsibly with Bears in Shandaken
Life in Shandaken is enriched by the forever-wild forests and pristine streams that make our town a magnet for nature-loving residents, tourists, and wildlife. Whether you are visiting or reside on a mountain top, a hollow or in the residential neighborhoods of Phoenicia and Pine Hill, chances are that you have seen black bears in all their magnificence.
Shandaken is participating in a BearWise campaign, a science-based education program developed by state bear biologists to help people live responsibly with black bears. The education program is twofold – eliminating attractants and encouraging deterrents to reduce the incidence of human/bear conflicts.
If you need some helpful advice about how to live with your black bear neighbors, Shandaken’s Conservation Advisory Council can give you tips and resources to help ensure that you, your family, the bear, and its family are all safe. We all enjoy seeing bears in the wild, but seeing them up close is scary and potentially dangerous. Many bear encounters involve dogs, and this interaction can also be unwelcome.
To learn more, contact Nicole Caputo, studio@nicolecaputo.com
Visit our instagram page @shandakenbearwise
BearWise helps people live responsibly with bears.