Why You Should Reconsider Planting A Fruit Tree If You Live In Bear Country

If you live in bear country, odds are you are already doing all you can to keep bears away from your home. Well, at least you may think you are doing everything possible. Unfortunately, for the majority of folks living in Canada or one of 40 U.S. states that support a viable black bear population, many favorite backyard hobbies and pastimes can act as an open invitation for these animals to pay your yard a visit.

It may seem obvious that activities such as barbecuing in the backyard can bring bears a little too close for comfort. The same goes for hanging a bird feeder full of their favorite seeds. However, those who enjoy gardening or landscaping may inadvertently invite these large mammals to their backyard, as well. With that in mind, you should reconsider planting a fruit tree if you live in bear country. In fact, something that seems as innocuous as having a few of your favorite fruit trees scattered throughout your yard can actually pose a danger to both you and bears in your area.

When most people think of dangerous types of bears, they envision vicious, carnivorous mammals. While it is true that they are equipped with the teeth and claws of a killer and will indeed eat fish, small mammals, and the occasional deer, their absolute favorite foods are fruits and berries. This is especially true of black bears, which, incidentally, are also the species that are most commonly found living close to human populations.

While many of the fruits and berries they dine on occur in the wild, it only makes sense that planting them — or another species of fruit — in your yard is like ringing a dinner bell for bears. Anything that puts people in close proximity to these animals is, indeed, a risk for humans. However, backyard fruit trees can also become problematic for bears. The issue is a bit layered. For starters, bears become habituated when they are able to freely feed on a domestic food source. The more they become comfortable around humans, the more dangerous it is for both us and them. As bears continue to frequent areas populated by humans, the odds of a negative encounter becomes more likely. 

While planting fruit trees can be an issue, it is also possible to responsibly and safely grow fruit trees if you live near a bear population. According to BearWise, the first step to keeping bears away from your home is not providing them food. With that in mind, if you do have or intend to plant fruit trees in your yard, there are measures you should take to properly manage them and ensure they don't become a source of food for pesky intruders.

The first thing to do when it comes to managing fruit trees in bear country is to make them inaccessible. Fencing is good. Electric fencing is even better. Secondly, do not let ripe fruit linger on trees — pick it as soon as it becomes ready to eat. If it becomes more than is needed in your household, you can always give it to neighbors or donate it to a food bank. Next, promptly pick up any fallen fruit. The longer this fruit lays on the ground, the more bear-attracting scents will be released. Finally be sure to dispose of any fallen fruit and/or fruit scraps in a disposal or bear-proof container. Never put fruit or fruit remnants on a compost pile, as it will only continue to attract bears.