ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Warm temperatures across Alaska might be getting bears out of their dens early.
Bear sightings have been reported all across the state, including a grizzly in the Fairbanks area this week.
State wildlife officials say black bears have been sighted in several parts of Anchorage. There also have been sightings of brown bear sows and yearling cubs in Kodiak, something that doesn’t usually happen until later in the spring.
Given the early sightings, officials are urging Alaskans to take down bird feeders and clean up any seed, trash or pet food that has been left out over the winter. Poultry and small livestock owners should secure their animals behind electric fences, and garbage bins should be put away.
Officials say feeding bears, even unintentionally, is illegal and can result in fines.
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