* It's dangerous: Bears are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Feeding them can make them lose their fear of humans, leading to aggressive behavior.
* It's harmful to the bear: A diet of human food is not healthy for bears, and can lead to malnutrition, obesity, and other health problems.
* It attracts more bears: Feeding a bear in one location will attract more bears to the area, increasing the likelihood of human-bear encounters.
Instead of feeding a bear, you can:
* Secure your trash: Keep your trash cans secure and inaccessible to bears.
* Keep your food inside: Don't leave food or food scraps outdoors, including pet food.
* Clean your grills: Clean your grills thoroughly after use and store them safely.
If you encounter a bear, remain calm and slowly back away. Never approach a bear, and never try to feed it.