RICHMOND, Va. — Leave bear dens alone! That's the message the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources wants to get out as bears take shelter in dens for the winter.

"While the fall was fairly mild and hard mast was abundant in some areas, bears likely stayed out a bit longer enjoying areas with abundant food resources," a department official said. "As the temperatures have plummeted and snow has covered much of the state in January, most bears have found a cozy den until warmer weather arrives."

Black bears in Virginia den in brush piles, tree cavities, rock outcroppings, ground nests, debris piles, and even under porches or in unsecured crawl spaces.

"Whether enjoying a hike, cutting firewood, clearing brush, small game hunting, or doing other activities, you may inadvertently stumble upon a black bear den," a department spokesperson said. "Here are a few tips to avoid disturbing a bear den and what to do should a female leave her den."

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