The Maryland Department of Natural Resources says young black bears are now in the process of leaving their dens to establish new territories and homeowners who leave food sources in the open may unintentionally draw them to residential areas. The bears are most common in Washington, Allegany, Frederick and Garrett counties but they are also found in central and southern Maryland. The DNR says once a bear finds an easy meal source, they will likely become repeat visitors so things like bird seed and pet food should be removed from outdoor areas from April through November and garbage should be locked in a bear-proof trash bin.