With the number of bears — and people — increasing in WNC, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is warning people not to feed animals, either purposely or inadvertently, that wander into residential areas.

While black bears are rarely aggressive toward people, they can become bold when they are used to feeding on human refuse, dog food or bird seed.

“Feeding a bear rewards it for coming in close proximity to you and your home,” said Michael Juhan, a commission biologist. “When the food becomes unavailable, the bear may resort to damaging items around your property in search of it. In addition, bears feeding on unnatural food sources around your home may lose their fear of humans and approach them — a situation that rarely ends well for the bear and could have potential safety issues for humans as well.”

Over the past decade, bear complaints have risen 70 percent in WNC, including bears rummaging through trashcans, tearing down bird feeders, and peering in doors and windows. Incidents are most common in the spring, when bears have emerged from their winter hibernation but wild food sources are not yet abundant.

Here are some steps you can take:

• Secure bags of trash inside cans stored in a garage, basement or other secure area, and place outside as late as possible on trash pick-up days — not the night before.

• Purchase bear-proof garbage cans or bear-proof your existing garbage container by outfitting it with a secure latching system.

• Discontinue feeding birds during spring and summer, even with feeders advertised as “bear proof.” Bears can still be attracted to seed that spills on the ground.

• Do not “free-feed” pets outdoors. If you must feed pets outdoors, make sure all food is consumed.

• Clean all food and grease from barbecue grills after each use. Bears are attracted to the food odors and may investigate.