Bears are coming out of hibernation, so it’s time for the usual annual reminder about removing bear attractants. Bears will eat darn near anything, especially right now, so anything from old apples on the ground to pet food to poorly secured garbage can attract a large, furry, unwanted visitor. In particular, if you are already getting visits from mid-level scroungers like racoons, skunks and coyotes, you could be setting yourself up for a bear problem.

The Flathead Beacon posted a good write-up on the subject. Also, Montana’s “Bear Aware” site has lots of good information on living with bears.