Anyone deal with Bears bothering the coup at night?

[rcentner]

I almost lost a flock of chickens to a bear last night, he almost got in my coup. I wondered if anyone had any suggestions for deterring bears. We are building a new everything proof coup, just lacking plywood that we can't get until tomorrow. I thought coyotes would be our toughest predator until I found out a bear has been living in our neighborhood for a few months. any thoughts?

 

[Sjisty]

Wow - If I see a bear here, I'm moving!

 

[Gonzo_MN]

Here's a previous discussion on bears and coops

Good luck!

 

[BlackBart]

Only electric fencing will keep them out, you have to set it for stun to get through the thick coat of fur.
If they are hungry enough, they will rip the wood right off your coop.

There was a long thread (on another chicken forum ACE) about a sow and her two cubs that basically destroyed everything and kept coming back until there was nothing left to eat.

 

[koifarm]

I think I'd be getting in touch with animal control on that one, if the bear is deemed a nuisance bear, they can trap and remove it to another area.
If you like bear meat though, sit and wait for him/her to return when you have a suitable firearm in hand.
Bear meat is good to eat, BTW. Makes good "bearburgers"

 

[rcentner]

Quote:
Yeah, I called DEC and I am awaiting the return call as I had to leave a message, but if they don't trap and release it, we will have a chance at bear meat!