Fish and wildlife officials are reminding Vermonters to take down their bird feeders to keep bears away.
Black bears are emerging from the winter dens and looking for food. Fish and Wildlife officials say the department is already getting reports of bears getting into bird feeders.
They recommend taking down feeders until late October, keeping pet food inside, washing barbecues after use, and securing garbage cans.
Vermont law prohibits a person from killing a bear that has been lured to any artificial bait or food, including bird seed.