State: Time to take

down bird feeders

MONTPELIER — The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is urging people to take down their bird feeders to avoid attracting hungry bears emerging from their winter dens.

Col. David LeCours of the department recommends not feeding birds until December.

Bears often eat seeds in the wild, so a feeder full of seed is a concentrated source of what a bear considers natural food.

LeCours also advises to keep pet food inside, to wash down barbecues after using them, and to secure garbage containers.