Living with Black Bears

• Bear/Human Encounters
• General Property Maintenance
• Garbage
• Compost Bins and Composters
• Recycling Bins
• Feeding Pets and Birds
• Barbeques
• Beehives
• Camps
• Gardens, Agricultural Crops and Livestock
• Bear Proofing Checklist (click to view)

Bear/Human Encounters

Woods: If a black bear is seen from a distance while traveling through the woods, one should quietly back up and leave the area. At the same time, try to stay upwind of the bear so that it can determine by scent that there is a human in the vicinity. The bear will generally leave the area, once it realizes a person is close by. When a bear stands up on its back legs, it is not being assertive but acting curious. If the bear keeps coming closer even after attempting to leave the area, then it is important to alert the animal by talking to it in a firm voice. At the same time, try to look as large as possible by waving one's arms in the air above the head. Keep trying to back away from the bear and hit nearby trees with a stick, if carrying one. A bear may make a defensive display by bluff charging, swatting the ground, popping the teeth or blowing. Generally, this is the defensive tactics a bear employs when faced with a perceived threat. However, should a person be aggressively attacked by a black bear, the best defense is to fight the bear with anything available, including fists, rocks or other hard items. Hitting or poking sensitive areas, such as the bear's eyes or nose, is also a good course of action. Playing dead is recommended when attacked by a grizzly bear, but this behaviour does NOT work with a black bear.

Properties: Bears can sometimes be taught to leave an area when they visit properties. If a bear is encountered outside near a residence (i.e. investigating a garbage can or recycling bin), the homeowner should quietly back up, leave the area and get inside a building. Once the bear leaves, the first priority is to remove any food attractants on the property. When a bear still persists in visiting a site, the homeowner should yell at the animal from a safe distance (as far back as possible) and throw balls or water, bang pots or blow air horns at the same time. It is always important to holler at the bear while making noises, throwing balls, etc., so that the animal associates this adverse conditioning with humans. Another technique is throwing balls in the woods behind a bear, which causes the animal to believe there is another bear present. The bear will then run away to avoid an altercation. Bears can be taught that residential areas are out-of-bounds and should be avoided.

General Property Maintenance
The best way of avoiding conflicts with bears is by PREVENTION. This can be accomplished by becoming educated about bears and knowing what preventative measures to implement during the times they are vulnerable to attractants. Generally, in Nova Scotia that would be from the first of May to the end of July, and again in the fall during September and October. Many subdivisions have active resident associations that could keep homeowners informed about ways to reduce bear visits in a neighborhood. Bears are intelligent animals with good memories and if they find food items on a particular property, they will return to the same spot in the hopes of feeding again. They also prefer to travel in the relative safety of the woods. Properties that border wooded areas may become less attractive to bears if the brush and trees are thinned in the surrounding forest. Removing natural food sources such as berries or wild fruit trees would also be beneficial when landscaping a wooded site. Keep lawns mowed and weeded as grasses, dandelions and clover are bear foods. Avoid planting other bear foods, such as fruit trees and berry producing bushes. The bottom line is if there are no food attractants available to a bear, it won't visit the property.

Garbage
If at all possible, garbage should be kept inside a locked shed, garage or basement until pick up day. Garbage stored outside should be kept in a bear-proof container made of metal or wood and must have an animal-proof latching system. Wood containers should be made of lumber (2" x 6") that is bolted together. Metal containers are available from Haul-All Equipment Systems, a company based in Alberta. Garbage cans with screw-top lids are also available on the market (critter can.org). These containers can be attached to a sturdy post or tree with a chain. Regardless of what type of bear-proof container a homeowner buys, they should always be stored away from forest cover to make access difficult for bears.

Compost Bins and Composters
DO NOT place meat, fish scraps, grease, dairy products or fruit in these receptacles. To reduce smell and aid in decomposition, compost must be turned often. Cover kitchen waste with dry leaves or dried grass clippings. Lime can also be added to cut down on odors. Locate composters away from forests and natural pathways used by bears.

Recycling Bins
Keep bins in shady, open areas well away from forest cover. Foods that have the potential to develop strong odors (i.e. meat, fish, some fruits, etc.) should be stored in the freezer until the morning of pick up. During the heat of the summer, wrap kitchen wastes in newspaper or cover with dried grass clippings. Bins that develop strong odors should be rinsed with a 95% water/5% bleach solution when empty and left to air dry before using again. If the bin develops odors while being utilized, a few rags soaked with ammonia tied to the outside helps mask the smell.

Feeding Pets and Birds
Make sure that all food for pets that are fed outdoors is removed after feeding periods are over. Don't leave dog bones lying around yards. Bird feeders should be kept clean and seed dry. Spilled seed and husks should be removed from the ground underneath the bird feeders. To avoid this waste, buy high quality seed that does not contain millet. Bird feeders should be brought inside if bears start frequenting properties and not put outside again until natural bear foods become available. Bird baths will attract birds but not bears so can still be used. Instead of using hummingbird feeders, plant flowers (red or pink) that are known to appeal to hummingbirds.

Barbecues
Cooking smells from barbecues can attract bears. When cooking, do not leave any food unattended outside. If possible, store barbecues inside when not in use but leave the propane tanks outside as they are a fire hazard. If barbecues have to be kept outside, burn the barbecue clean after use, and then wash grills immediately to remove food particles and grease. Replace lava rocks which trap grease with ceramic blocks. Store barbecues covered and out of the wind.

Beehives
Beehives should not be placed in areas that could be frequented by bears; such as game trails, near forest cover or a stream. Avoid setting them up in early spring when other bear foods are still scarce. Electric fence units that are portable are quite effective in preventing bear damage to beehives. Wiring beehives together with metal strapping makes the unit ungainly and too heavy for a bear to tip over and access.

Camps
DO NOT leave food in unoccupied camps and take garbage when leaving. If garbage cannot be taken out, burn it well. Keep the camp stove spotless and when cooking, ventilate well. Strong smelling foods like fish should be cooked outdoors. Greasy dish water and cooking fats should be poured down the outhouse hole. Make sure that camps are in good shape structurally. If a camp has been visited by a bear, it may be beneficial to put rags soaked in ammonia on stakes around the camp to mask any lingering smells.

Gardens, Agricultural Crops and Livestock
If economically feasible, electric fencing is the best way to protect any of these investments. If it is impractical to fence a whole field, fencing adjacent areas used by bears may be appropriate. Pick fruit as it ripens and remove any drops from the ground. Vegetables should also be picked when ripe. Do not use blood meal or fish fertilizer in gardens as the smell may attract bears. Store livestock feed indoors and purchase feeders that minimize spillage. Promptly remove any livestock that die on the property. More information on how to avoid bear damage around agricultural areas can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife and other web-sites listed under Resources.