Bear Deterrents?

[MilesFluffybutt]

Hello BYC Community,

I've had three bear run through my property this year. The first two visited on the same day within two hours of each other. In broad daylight while everyone (myself, dog, cat, chickens) were outside. The larger of the two thought briefly about hitting up the coop, but for some reason it turned around and went back into the woods. The second bear and significantly smaller bear went after the compost bin before going on his merry little way. I've stopped composting since.

Tonight, about an hour ago, I intercepted the 3rd bear as I was going to tuck the chickens into bed. He was clearly going for the coop so I screamed, hollered and stomped around like my hair was on fire. He reluctantly left so I get the feeling he'll be back and not so worried about me next time.

So, I'm wondering what you all use bear deterrent. Electric fencing or netting? Flood lights? Pitchforks and torches? Shotguns?

I am going to install a motion activated flood light so I don't stumble into that situation again. And I can certainly bring a shotgun with me, but I'd really like to avoid any confrontation.

Thank you!

 

[Helloworld]

Electric fence. This is funny you posted. I saw on the news about a dog that dearly loves his next door neighbors. Part lab mix, comes and plays with the kids and goes back home.

So yesterday, this bear wonders up into their back yard, spots bird feeder and knocks it down and starts eating seed. All of the sudden, this dog bust through his privacy fence and starts attacking bear who is so shocked by all the sudden commotion it runs off! That is one super dog!

Check it out:
http://newjersey.news12.com/story/40771791/get-off-my-lawn-dog-chases-black-bear-out-of-yard

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

Who's a good boy?! That dog is!
I want someone to edit the video to put a cape on the dog. I mean, he deserves a steak and a cape.

I'll look into fencing. Do you think something like what people use for horses would work? Or do I need something a little stronger?

 

[Folly's place]

Premier1supplies has good equipment, online and by phone, and in their catalog. You will need a really good charger, and a well set up fence, baited at first with bacon or something, so the bears try it and leave.
So far no bears here, thankfully.
Mary

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

@Folly's place : You're the second person to suggest Premier. I'll look into it this morning. Good advice on the bacon! That'll teach it.

 

[cmom]

A good fence charger and electric wire will work you can and put it as high as you need it. I have 3 wires about a foot apart with the bottom wire about 6" off of the ground. I know there are bears here but have never seen one but once a year there is a season where the state allows a certain number of bears to be taken. It goes for a number of days but when the quota is filled, they shut it down if it happens before the end of the hunting season.
https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/bear-quikfence-12-35-12?cat_id=53

 

[gtaus]

So, I'm wondering what you all use bear deterrent. Electric fencing or netting? Flood lights? Pitchforks and torches? Shotguns?

I don't have a problem with bears in my yard, but they not far away and usually dumpster diving. Our local DNR is good at putting out live cage traps and relocating bears that are getting too close to humans. I don't know if that is an option where you live, but I would call the DNR and get their advice and/or help. It's a place to start anyway.

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

@cmom : Thank you for the link. I'll measure how much netting I'll need this afternoon. Shouldn't be more than 150ft. I had an outdoor electric outlet wired several feet from the - a must have in the winter months - so I should be able plug in the fence/energizer. I'd have to check, but I think it's a 110 line.

@gtaus : I live in a rural area so I don't have a lot of dumpster around here. Most people burn their trash or do a dump run. My State doesn't relocate wildlife, preferring to shoot them instead. It's really a terrible state to be a wildlife critter in so I'd really prefer to keep off of Fish and Wildlife's radar. I did reach out to a wildlife group that suggested electric fencing and the bacon method as well.

 

[cmom]

I only have 3 wires but you can put up more.

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

@cmom : Thank you for sharing a photo of your setup. I'm a visual person so this is a huge help. I just finished measuring and I'll need roughly 175ft of line (x3) plus the energizer, which is a little over budget, but eh, it'll be fine.

Thank you all so much for your help!