To reduce the risk of problems with bears on or near your property, we urge you to follow this list of simple precautions. Avoid attracting bears to your property.
Prevention is far better than confrontation!
Garbage should be stored where bears can neither smell nor gain access to it, either in a bearproof container or inside a building that bears can't get into.
Remember: when bears eat garbage they may eventually have to be killed.
Fruit trees attract bears, especially when wild foods are scarce. Electric fencing is the most effective way to keep bears out of orchards. Pick all ripe fruit from trees and from the ground as soon as possible. Do not leave fruit on trees through the fall.
Vegetable gardens also attract bears. Gardens should be located away from forests or shrubs, which bears use for security and travel; electric fencing is a good idea.
Although composting reduces the load of waste in landfills, the odors attract bears. If you do maintain a compost pile, use an electric fence to discourage bears. Don't put meat, grease, or bones in a compost pile. Consider an enclosed composter.
Livestock & pet food should be stored in bear-proof containers, preferably inside a sturdy building that bears can't get inside. Cut down on spillage of oats and pellets by feeding from buckets or other containers, and don't leave leftover livestock food out overnight.
Dogs and other pets should be kept inside at night. Don't leave uneaten pet food outside.
Sheep are particularly easy prey for bears and should be closely herded. Pigs, and foods normally fed to pigs, are very attractive to bears. Consider electric fencing or not keeping pigs in bear country. Do not bury livestock. Haul them to a rendering plant or county landfill immediately. Bears will dig up carcasses.
Remember: when bears learn to kill livestock the bears usually have to be moved or destroyed.
Bears love honey and also seek bee larvae found in bee hives. You can protect the hives with electric fencing or by elevating the hives on platforms supported by metal poles that bears can't climb.
Hummingbird feeders and suet can also attract bears. Feed suet only during the winter months, and suspend hummingbird feeders out of reach of bears.
Make sure that children are home before dusk and are not outside before dawn. Talk with your children about bears and teach them what to do if they encounter one.
If you find that bears have gotten into your garbage or livestock feed, remove the attractant immediately. Repeated use of a site by bears is much harder to stop than a single instance. Bears will move on if no attractants are present. Bears that associate food with humans and places humans live can become dangerous. These bears usually have to be trapped and relocated, or killed. Use common sense; it's in everyone's best interest!
