The City of Waupaca is aware of recent bear sightings within the city. The Wisconsin DNR has some tips to help deter bears.
Never feed bears. Feeding bears will create a bear habituated to humans. These bears may cause conflicts and eventually may have to be lethally removed.
Remove potential food sources such as open garbage cans and pet food bowls.
If a bear begins using your bird feeder, take it down for at least two weeks to allow time for the bear to leave the area.
Clean and store outdoor grills after each use.
If you see a bear around your home, make noise so it knows you are there. Most bears will run away upon seeing a person, but banging pots or making loud noises will help frighten the bear away.
If the bear loses its fear of humans and approaches humans or does not respond to harassment efforts, if it becomes aggressive, or if it causes property damage other than damaging bird feeders or knocking over garbage cans, then it should be reported to USDA-Wildlife Services.
There are more than 24,000 bear in the state. While this is new experience for many residents in Waupaca area this a common situation in many northern Wisconsin towns and cities and in most cases the bears don’t cause problems.
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/damage
