Black bear attack

[boatagor]

Well, it seems like a black bear got into my coop last night and took off with 2 chickens. I don't think anything else could rip a nest box door off the hinges, and there was black fur everywhere. I have an electric net/charger that I've never set up. It's pouring rain right now. I'm terrified of anything electrical (hence why it's not been hooked up yet) but I'm sure he will be back and I'd rather not have an easy meal ready. Is it safe to connect it in bad weather?

 

[azygous]

Did you notice the threads on this topic just below? Two of those threads are mine, and the most recent bear attack happened just this summer.

How many chickens survived the attack? Can you get the coop secured for tonight, because you can expect the bear to return. They always do. Do you have a shotgun? If you contact your wildlife department, they can send someone out to advise you, and if they're like my warden, give you special 12 gauge ammo that will repel a bear, but not kill it. If the bear proves to be a menace, they can trap it.

Hot wire is the only tested deterrent against bears, but it needs to be installed in a way that the bear has to pause. The way to do that is to erect it against a barrier and bait it with peanut butter to encourage the bear to engage the hot wire.

I would suggest you keep your chickens in your garage or a spare room until you get the coop secured and are able to erect a proper hot wire system that will be sure to work against bears. Not so sure about electric netting. It's meant more to keep chickens in than bears out.

Read the threads down below.

 

[Vadard]

Good grief. I personally do not mess with electricity in the rain. As azygous suggested, I’d recommend finding a temporary safer location. Definitely familiarize yourself with the nuisance animal laws in your state, too…and if those laws apply to bears. In some states, you can shoot anything actively preying on your livestock. Probably best to call the game warden first, though.

 

[boatagor]

The bear hasn't come back, yet. I did end up setting up the fence that night with no issues. I've been turning it on every night since.