SVMC Weekly Wellness Connection: June 14

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June 14, 2024

A Time to Celebrate Differences & Promote Acceptance
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Autistic Pride Day, celebrated on June 18, is a movement led by people with autism spectrum disorder advocating for themselves versus organizations that spearhead efforts. The day serves as a reminder that people with autism have always been and will continue to be an important, treasured part of our human society.  
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A Community Celebration of Freedom Slated for June 19

On Wednesday, June 19, the community is invited to come together to celebrate Juneteenth—a historic holiday commemorating what is considered to be the effective end of slavery in the US and has been observed since June 19, 1865.

Live music, treats, and numerous activities for kids and families will be taking place in downtown Bennington. 
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ExpressCare v. Emergency Department

Understanding the difference between the urgent care provided at ExpressCare and the care offered at the Emergency Department is key to getting the right care in the timeliest manner this summer. Read More.

The Alarming Rise of Xylazine

Xylazine, a powerful veterinary sedative, is infiltrating the illicit drug market, posing a severe threat to users and presenting new challenges for healthcare professionals and first responders. Read More.
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Fish and Wildlife Department: Take Down Birdfeeders, Secure Food from Bears

MONTPELIER, Vt. — The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has begun to receive reports of bears coming out of their dens and is urging Vermonters to remove their birdfeeders and take additional steps now to prevent conflicts with bears over the spring and summer.
 
"Do not wait to take down your birdfeeders and bearproof your yard until a bear comes to visit," said Jaclyn Comeau, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's Bear Biologist.  "You need to act now to head off bear conflicts over the spring and summer, even if you have never had a bear visit your property before."
 
Bear incidents have been on the rise over the past several years.  Officials believe this trend is a result of Vermont's healthy black bear population learning to associate people and food over multiple generations.  Even with a steady increase in the number bears harvested by hunters in recent years—including a record harvest in 2024—Vermont's bear population has been stable over the past two decades and shows signs of growth over the past five years.
 
Shorter winters also mean that bears are emerging from their dens earlier in the spring.  In recent years bear activity has begun in mid-March.  This is roughly two weeks earlier than what is traditionally considered the start of "bear-aware season" in northern New England.
 
"Preventing bears from having access to human-related foods is key to successful coexistence with these long-lived and intelligent animals," said Comeau. "Bears can be found in every corner of Vermont other than the Champlain islands.  Put bluntly, most Vermonters live in bear country."
 
The department asks Vermonters to take the following proactive steps for coexisting with bears: 
 
  • Take down birdfeeders between mid-March and December.
  • Store garbage in bear-resistant containers or structures, trash cans alone are not enough.  
  • Follow the steps on our web page for composting in bear country. 
  • Use electric fences to keep chickens and honeybees safe. 
  • Request a bear-resistant dumpster from your waste hauler. 
  • Feed your pets indoors. 
  • Never feed bears, it is illegal.
 
"Deep snow may delay some bears from emerging from winter dens until April, but mid-March is the time for Vermonters to prepare for the early risers by taking down our birdfeeders, making sure garbage is secure, and protecting backyard chickens and bees with an electric fence," said Comeau.  "This will help teach bears that our yards and neighborhoods are not good places to search for food, but it will only work if everyone does their part."  Taking these precautions will also help reduce the chance of attracting other wildlife species such as raccoons, skunks and rodents.
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