Keep Bears Away From Your Home With These Bear-Proofing Tricks
Throughout the entire range in which they are found, bears are commonly cited as one of the most dangerous animals people can encounter. Most outdoors-minded individuals are aware of this and are on the lookout for dangerous bears they may encounter when adventuring. Typically, they take pains not to make mistakes that will attract bears to their campsites and educate themselves on what to do if they are attacked by a bear.
But, while most who adventure outdoors take to the field with bear safety in mind, what far too many people aren't prepared for is a bear encounter in their home or yard. However, urban bear incidents are on the rise across the U.S. This is really the result of a confluence of two events. For starters, one of the world's most dangerous types of bears, the American black bear, has been increasing in numbers. Secondly, the number of humans in the United States has been growing as well. Given the growth of both of these populations, it is almost inevitable the two species will have more interaction with each other. As towns, cities, and suburbs continue to grow and further infringe on bear territory, it is likely that incidents will become all the more common. However, you can keep bears away from your home with these bear-proofing tricks.
Avoid attracting bears to your house and yard
The best way to keep bears away from your home is to avoid attracting them there in the first place. That seems simple enough, but while many people take extra precautions to avoid attracting bears while hiking or camping, they often fail to follow some basic steps that will prevent attracting bears to your house and yard. Much of what you can do to avoid attracting bears to your home has to do with eliminating scents bears might find appealing. These odors often emanate from unsuspecting places, so here are a few tips of places bear-attracting scents may come from.
Trash cans are obvious culprits. The simplest steps to take are to make sure trash is bagged and tied and the lid is securely fitted over the trash can. If you are in an area of high bear activity, you might want to consider enclosing your trash containers or even buying a bear-proof trash can. Similarly, compost piles can also attract unwanted guests. While throwing leftover food on a compost pile is one way to get nutrient-rich soil, it can also be enticing to bears. If you compost, make sure your compost pile is as far away from the house as possible and avoid putting strongly scented foods on the pile. Lastly, if you're using your BBQ, be sure to clean your grill after each use, as leftover bits of food can give off a scent that can attract bears.
Other backyard bear attractants include bird feeders, pet food, and scented candles.
Make sure bears can't get in if they do show up
If you live in an area that is frequented by bears, there is always the possibility one will show up even if you've taken every precaution. So, it is best to be proactive and to set up barriers to prevent a bear from entering your home or yard in the event they do find their way to your address. This, too, often involves somewhat simplistic procedures. According to Colorado Parks & Wildlife, many bears who enter homes do so through open or unlocked doors and windows. So, the easiest solution to that is to keep all access points closed and locked — windows, doors, garage doors, etc. Other suggestions include putting up a sturdy exterior fence (and locking it), trimming any tree limbs which may aid a bear in gaining access to your yard or home, and installing bars or grates over lower story windows and doors.
Additionally, CPW says there are ways homeowners can get approaching bears to turn away. Examples they give of bear deterrents include electric fencing, radios, flashing lights, alarms, sprinkler systems, or motion control lights. Scents such as bleach or ammonia, which can be poured into trash cans, can also get bears to turn away.