Black bear ! Edit - pics added

[JustAChickenLittle&More]

Whoa!!!! We have bears around here too! Eastern Kentucky. I haven't seen any, and hope I don't.

 

[3chimama]

Whoa! So sorry that happened...

 

[AllAlaskan]

Quote:
I agree it is a really big print for a black bear, but I have seen blackies with feet that big before, and they were some BIG black bears, Im talking 6-7ft tall black bears down in Prince William Sound.

 

[AlabamaChickenLady]

Holly molly!!!

Critters like that one would be enough to keep me in the house after dark. WOW ~ you guys sure do grow them big up there!!

So sorry for the loss of your hens.

Hope that mean nasty bear don't come back again.

 

[rufus]

He will be back! Just hope it is only the chickens he is after. You had better set up that hot wire fast.

Rufus

 

[marshallbrown]

Very sorry you loss. We have black bear all along our 50acres and lost a couple bee hives to them back when I raised bees. Someone had mentioned an electric fence. How would you do that around the coop? Would be interested in some suggestions.

 

[terrilhb]

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope he does not come back.

 

[GallusGal]

Very sorry for your loss. If the bear becomes a persistent problem, you may be able to contact your state wildlife agency about it. They don't want bears coming that close to human settlement and damaging property and livestock, because they quickly become acclimated to human presence and then become potentially dangerous "pest bears," so they may be willing to relocate or if need be dispatch it.

In the mean time, do as much as you can to make your property unappealing to the bear: make sure your garbage cans and feed bins are 100% secure and bear-proof, don't leave feed out overnight in the chicken coop, pull any bird feeders you have, clean your grill and bring it indoors, hang things that will move, reflect light, and/or make noise around the perimeter of the property, and erect electric fencing around both your coop and any fruit or vegetable gardening you've been doing. If you spot the bear, make as much racket as possible from a safe location - banging pots and pans and shouting does well. Black bears are generally shy, fearful animals and will gladly turn tail if you raise a ruckus. However, you're absolutely right that coming out of hibernation and/or having young will make them hungry and desperate, so the sooner you can make your property unappealing the better.

 

[caspernc]

You need a high powered fence, and make sure you wrap bacon randomly around the wire so his jolt will be where the bear remembers it.

 

[Trinity Oaks]

If you decide to get an electric charger I'd suggest one with at least 4 joules of output. Many buy chargers but don't pay attention to the joule output rating and are very disappointed in the results. That's why most solar chargers are not adequate for good, long-term protection.