Fort Payne Passes Ordinance Penalizing Residents Who Feed Bears
Fort Payne-The Fort Payne City Council voted Tuesday to adopt a new ordinance aimed at curbing the growing problem of residents intentionally feeding black bears.
Sightings of black bears have become increasingly common in Fort Payne neighborhoods, and city officials say some homeowners are contributing to the issue by leaving out food. Under the new city code, deliberately feeding bears is now punishable by a fine of up to $500 and a maximum of six months in jail.
“They’re here to stay. What we have to do is learn how to cohabitate with the bears because once they find food, they stay. They’re going to come back constantly,” Mayor Brian Baine said.
Baine noted that the council acted after receiving several complaints from residents reporting neighbors who were intentionally placing food outside to attract the animals. He said feeding bears poses a danger to both the community and the animals themselves.
The mayor urged residents to secure their trash and outdoor food sources to avoid unintentionally attracting wildlife.
“Make sure you’re keeping your trash cans put up—maybe in the garage. Don’t leave them out. Any dog or cat food should be kept in closed containers,” Baine said.
Black bears are a protected species in Alabama, and state law prohibits purposefully harming or harassing them. The city hopes the new ordinance will reduce encounters and promote safer coexistence between residents and wildlife.
