Dear homeowner, it's easy to understand that prickly feeling along your neck, that sweat on your palms.

They're coming out of the woods, long-clawed and short-tempered —- bears!

Fact: Earlier this week, a wayward bruin walked into the path of a car in Cobb County and was killed. Lest you think that was some oddball occurrence, in Cobb alone he was the third in two months to lose a contest in Ursus americanus vs. Rapidus automotivus. On Friday, a fourth bear was struck and killed on Ga. 20 in Forsyth County, a sheriff's official said.

But what about bear No. 5? Maybe he's in the far, shadowed reaches of your backyard. What was that sound back there?

Put down the shovel because your fears are misplaced. So says the state Department of Natural Resources, which should know. It has a herd of biologists familiar with things that sting and bite, maul and tear. It also has records showing you that you are far more likely to have an anxiety attack than an animal attack.

Consider: Only one person has died from alligator attacks in Georgia since 1980. Coyotes? The odds are better you'll get creamed by a roadrunner. Bear attacks? "You've got a better chance of getting hit by a truck and struck by lightning at the same time," said Rick Lavender, a spokesman for DNR's Wildlife Resources Division.

Still, it is summertime, so before you venture into glade or glen, be prepared. If you run into a wild animal, DNR suggests:

>Give them space. Raccoons don't like to be petted. Bears don't like posing for photos. Feral hogs don't like anything.

>Don't feed wildlife. Feed a bear, and he might want to spend the night in your tent. Feed a gator, and he might want you to spend the night in him.

And this:

>Don't mess with snakes. You needed that advice, right? Georgia has 41 species of snakes —- six of them venomous. Snakes, which have a natural aversion to humans, will bite if you force their, uh, hand.

Still, the woods do hold dangers. The greatest natural threat you face, be it state park or backyard, likely comes from black widows and brown recluse spiders, says the DNR. Don't forget to check for ticks, too. And watch out for bees, which sting.

Fire ants? They come by that name honestly. Resist the temptation to stomp on their mounds.