Learn how to coexist with black bears through a free Bear Education and Resources program at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, at the Macon County Community Center in Franklin.

Bear Education And Resources (B.E.A.R.) Task Force is kicking off its 2012 B.E.A.R. Talk Program series with the presentation. A growing population of both bears and people in the area means that problems stemming from improper storage of garbage, barbecues and birdfeeders are growing. Potentially dangerous encounters with bears are increasing as well.

The program will begin with a short film, “Living in Bear Country: Practical Advice on Living Responsibly in Bear Country.” Then Anne Allison and Kathy Sherrard will share information about black bears and explain how to reduce human and bear conflicts. Allison and Sherrard have been wildlife educators for more than 15 years and currently work closely with Appalachian Bear Rescue and B.E.A.R.

B.E.A.R. is a task force of the Western North Carolina Alliance.

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