One of the easiest and most popular ways to attract birds to your backyard is also a great way to view a larger, less welcome form of wildlife: black bears.
“It’s important to keep in mind that birdseed may accidentally attract bears and other wildlife,” according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Bird feeders provide a convenient, but dangerous, meal for bears. Allowing them to eat from human-provided food sources such as feeders, garbage or outdoor pet foods teaches them bad behavior, which often leads to removing the bears.”
In extreme circumstances, bears have been euthanized.
RELATED: 500-pound bear euthanized after roaming Traverse City neighborhoods for months
The DNR is discouraging residents from using bird feeders this spring in favor of incorporating native plants that will supply food to migrating birds. These steps are especially important in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula where bears are more prevalent.
“Planting native species will provide birds with adequate food, water and shelter to get them through the next leg of their migration journeys without attracting bears,” the DNR said in a news release.
Birds eat berries and fruit, nectar, nuts and seeds, and insects like caterpillars. Native plants can provide all of these, according to the DNR. Caterpillars are best supported by trees and shrubs like oak, willow and blackhaw viburnam. Wild columbine is an early spring bloomer that can provide nectar to Michigan’s smallest migrant, the ruby-throated hummingbird.
For more ideas on what native plant species will best support birds, visit Audobon’s Plants for Birds database and enter your ZIP code.
In the words of Mary Poppins, “Come feed the little birds, show them you care. And you’ll be glad if you do.”
But the DNR is hoping you’ll avoid using a bag of crumbs - or birdseed.
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Feed the birds, not the bears: Here’s how - MLive.com
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