Bears are curious and will follow their powerful noses to just about anything with an odor - it doesn't have to be a good odor! Bears may also investigate anything they've learned can yield a food reward: garbage, birdseed, pet food, chickens, beehives…you get the idea.
BearWise has a guest checklist and special downloads for resort and cabin rental owners, to help keep people and property safe and bears wild.
Follow these tips to help prevent a wandering bear from sticking around in your yard.
Six at-home BearWise basics
Get additional information about all six tips from the BearWise website.
Never feed or approach bears
Download this BearWise checklist [ADD LINK ONCE ACCCESSIBLE] to learn what attracts bears and how you can keep bears away from your home and property.
Know how to respond if you encounter a bear.
Utilize proper hazing techniques to Scare the Bear.
Secure food, garbage and recycling
Store garbage and recycling where bears can't smell or access it.
Stash and latch your trash in a bear-resistant container or inside a locked building.
If there are attractants you cannot secure in a building, consider using an energized fence.
Remove bird feeders when bears are active
Bears are active from April through October.
Use landscaping and alternatives to bird feeders to attract birds, not bears.
Never leave pet food outdoors
Store pet food where bears can't see or smell it.
Never leave food out for stray dogs or cats.
Clean and store grills and smokers
Clean grills after each use and make sure that all grease, fat and food particles are removed.
Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.
Alert neighbors to bear activity
See bears in the area or evidence of bear activity? Tell your neighbors and share information on how to avoid bear conflicts.
It's a group effort. Work with your community to become BearWise with these tips.
Consider becoming a BearWise Recognized Community [NEEDS LINK]. Contact your area wildlife office for more information.