State residents reminded to avoid conflicts with bears

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on Monday reminded New York residents to avoid conflicts with bears by taking down bird feeders and securing garbage.

The DEC has already received a few reports of bear sightings across the state. As bears emerge from their dens, they use their sensitive noses to find food. Human-related food sources such as bird feeders, pet food, and garbage can attract bears and lead to potential conflicts.

Feeding bears either intentionally, which is illegal, or unintentionally through careless property management, has consequences for entire communities, as well as the bears themselves. To reduce the potential for human-bear conflicts, DEC advises everyone residing in or visiting bear country (much of upstate New York) to remove any attractants.

Residents should take down birdfeeders and clean up any remaining bird seed by April 1, store garbage inside secure buildings, and feed pets indoors. For more information, please visit DEC’s webpage on reducing human-bear conflicts.

Auxiliary sets chicken barbecue for April 14

The East Dunkirk Ladies Auxiliary will hold a Chiavetta’s chicken barbecue on Wednesday, April 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. or sold out at the East Dunkirk Fire Hall, 10949 S. Roberts Road, Dunkirk. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at Big Rick’s One Stop and the Fourth Ward Deli. This event will be drive-through only. For more information, call 680-2729. This barbecue is a fund-raiser for the Fire Department.

Sinclairville plans chicken barbecue

SINCLAIRVILLE — The Sinclairville Volunteer Fire Co. will host a chicken barbecue from noon until gone on Sunday, at the fire hall, 30 Main St. The dinner is drive-through only and costs $11 for a full dinner and $7 for a half chicken. Chicken is cooked over a charcoal fire with the department’s famous sauce. Sides include scalloped potatoes, applesauce, roll, and a cookie for dessert.