Why You Should Reconsider Using A Bird Feeder If You Live In Bear Territory

Bird feeders are a delightful addition to many gardens, attracting colorful birds and bringing a touch of nature right to your window. They offer a chance to observe wildlife up close, which can be a peaceful, rewarding hobby. Many people enjoy bird feeders for the opportunity to support local bird populations, especially during colder months when natural food sources are scarce. Bird feeders also provide educational opportunities for children and adults alike, fostering a greater appreciation for wildlife. However, if you live in bear territory, bird feeders can pose significant risks. 

Bird feeders work wonders to attract birds to your garden, but if bears are nearby, they do just as well at bringing the bears to your backyard. While this may not seem like a big deal at first, this can actually pose risks to you, your property, and the bears themselves. Here's why you should reconsider using a bird feeder if you live in bear country. 

Bears are known to have an extraordinary sense of smell, capable of detecting food from miles away. This is why campers are often cautioned against leaving aromatic food and beverages out in the open — a common mistake that attracts bears to campsites. The same principle applies to residential areas in bear country. The scent of seeds and suet can travel long distances, drawing bears into your yard. Bird feeders, in particular, are especially enticing for bears, because they provide quick and easy access to calorie-dense foods. 

Since bears are omnivores and will eat almost anything, including bird seed, they will not shy away from this attractant. They are also excellent climbers and will work hard to access bird feeders that are suspended from trees or mounted on balconies. Even if a bear can't reach your feeder, the smell of the birdseed is a signal that food is available, so while they are trying to figure out how to access your bird feeder, they may look around to see if there's anything else interesting in and around your home.  

Bears are powerful animals, and their search for food can lead to significant property damage. They could tear down your bird feeder entirely, break into sheds, garages, or even homes if they smell more food. Repairing this damage can be costly and stressful.

Beyond their property damage, bears can also pose threats to humans. While many bear species are generally docile, some types of bears are dangerous, and merely playing dead if you see a bear may not be the safe option you think it is.

The issue is that once a bear discovers a reliable food source, it will return repeatedly. Over time, they can become habituated to human presence, making them more likely to approach other homes, cars, and even people. This increases the likelihood of human-bear conflicts, especially with people who don't know what to do if they see a bear nearby and end up escalating the situation inadvertently. Bears that have habituated, and who don't respond to typical scare tactics, are often euthanized for public safety, a tragic outcome that can be prevented, by taking to steps to keep them at bay. The most effective option? To not keep birdseed around, wildlife conservation expert Riley Woodford tells the National Audubon Society. 

If you live in bear territory, but still want to keep your garden bird-friendly, there are alternative approaches you can take. In fact, BearWise states that you can attract a larger variety of bird species without a bird feeder. 

For one, planting  trees, shrubs, and flowers that are native to your area will bring more local bird species to your yard. Since these plants are familiar to the birds, they are more likely to come hang out in your garden, creating a thriving natural environment. Plus, native plants are more likely to attract the insects that local birds feed on, so you can still keep them well-fed without birdseed. 

Another approach you can take is to install a bird or a dust bath. Bears are less likely to be attracted to water sources than food, so a clean shallow water source for birds to bathe in is another way to support the local ecosystem. Dust baths are also very helpful, as birds are known to roll around in dust or fine sand to keep their feathers clean. These simple replacements to bird feeders can keep your garden thriving with birds, without the dangers of nearby bears.