Governor Shumlin had a close encounter with bear-kind Wednesday AM when trying to rescue his birdfeeders after shooing bears away. The bears apparently didn’t go far enough away, and when the Governor went out to try to grab the feeders he was charged at and chased by the foursome.

From the AP’s writeup:

Shumlin tells the Valley News editorial board that Vermont “almost lost the governor.” He says he was within “three feet of getting ‘arrrh.'”

We’re glad you’re safe, Governor.

Here’s some information from the government of Ontario about what to do in a bear encounter. It’s oriented toward encounters in the wild, but can be helpful at home, too. Though, of course, at home, you have the option to go inside and lock the door.

[corrected the date – thanks norsehorse]

In the mean time, a Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife press release warned people to take in bird feeders due to bears on March 22. If you still have your feeders out, please take note:

3-22-2012

Remove Bird Feeders to Avoid Tempting Bears

VERMONT FISH and WILDLIFE

Press Release

For Immediate Release: March 22, 2012

Media Contact: Col. David LeCours, 802-241-3700

Remove Bird Feeders to Avoid Tempting Bears

WAITSFIELD, VT – The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says it is receiving reports of black bears emerging from their winter dens and looking for food. As a result, the department is urging people to take down their bird feeders to prevent the bears from getting into trouble.

“We are receiving reports of bears getting into bird feeders,” said Fish and Wildlife’s Col. David LeCours. “People can help now by removing any food sources that may tempt the bears. That includes taking down bird feeders and not feeding birds until December 1.”

“Also, don’t leave pet food outside, wash down your barbecues after using them, and secure your garbage containers,” he added. “And above all, never purposely leave food out for bears. Feeding bears may seem kind, but it is almost a sure death sentence for them.”

“Help keep bears wild,” said LeCours. “We care about these bears as much as anyone. Having to destroy one that has become a threat to human safety is not a pleasant experience, and we know that moving them to another location doesn’t change their behavior. They continue to seek food near people because they have learned that it works.”

Vermont law prohibits a person from killing a bear that has been attracted to any artificial bait or food such as bird seed. The fine for doing so can be as high as $1,000.

Bears often eat seeds in the wild, so a birdfeeder chock full of high-energy seed is a concentrated source of what a bear considers natural food. And they are smart. Once bears learn to obtain food around people’s homes, they will be back for more.

To learn about black bears, go to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) and look in the Library section for the Black Bear Factsheet.