- Taking steps to
avoid attracting bears with food or garbage is the
best way to prevent black bears from becoming a
nuisance near your home.
-
Use
bear-resistant garbage containers if you live in an
area frequented by black bears. They offer the best
protection.
-
Store
all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and
place them along the inside walls of your garage or in
the basement, a sturdy shed or other secure area.
-
Wash
garbage containers with a disinfectant solution
regularly to remove odors.
-
Put out
garbage on collection day, not the night before.
-
Clean
up after pets. If you feed them outside, do so during
daylight hours only. Pick up any leftover food and
remove bowls immediately after they have finished.
-
Clean
outdoor grills and utensils thoroughly after each use
and store grills securely. Grease and food residue
attract bears.
-
Do not
place meat or any sweet foods in compost piles.
-
Avoid
feeding birds if you live in an area frequented by
black bears. Birdseed attracts bears. If you choose to
feed birds, do so during daylight hours only between
December 1 and April 1, when bears are least active.
Suspend feeder from a free-hanging wire, making sure
the bottom is at least 10 feet off the ground. Bring
feeder indoors at night. Clean up spilled seeds and
shells.
-
Pick up
any fruit or nuts that fall from trees and discard it
in garbage containers with tight-fitting lids.
-
Consider installing electric fencing to protect crops,
beehives and small livestock if you live in an area
frequented by black bears.
