The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is inviting the public to attend a presentation at the Big Flats Community Center on how to avoid conflicts with black bears.

“DEC is receiving reports of bears roaming neighborhoods this spring in Chemung County,” said DEC Region 8 Regional Director Timothy P. Walsh. “Human-bear conflicts can be prevented through increased awareness of how to eliminate food sources for bears near people. DEC Wildlife Biologists will be on hand to educate people on ‘living with black bears’ and offer proven ways to remove attractants from their properties.”

What:              DEC presentation on living with bears

When:             May 10, at 7 p.m.

Where:            Big Flats Community Center, 476 Maple Street, Big Flats 14814

There is no cost to attend this presentation. DEC encourages residents to report bear incidents by calling: 1-844-DEC-ECOS (1-844-332-3267). For more information on how to live responsibly with black bears, please visit DEC's webpage at https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/127450.html and Bearwise.org.