AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Maine wildlife authorities in Maine say the state has already received more than three dozen complaints this spring about nuisance bears, which are emerging from their dens hungry for food.

Nuisance bears, which knock over bird feeders, paw through trash and steal from pet food dishes, are a rite of spring in the Pine Tree State. But the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife says it doesn’t have to be this way. The department’s asking homeowners to remove outdoor items that attract bears, such as grills and unsecured garbage cans.

The department says it has received 38 complaints so far, mostly in the areas of Ellsworth and Blue Hill along the eastern coast and Kennebunkport and Arundel in southern Maine. May tends to be a busy month for complaints.