Wyoming Wildlife magazine - 8

NEWS

Tips for living in bear country
CODY - Living in rural settings surrounded by Wyoming's wild places is a goal
among many of the state's residents, and some
of those places are in bear country.
To reduce the risk of problems with bears
on or near your property, the Wyoming Game
and Fish Department urges people to follow
some simple precautions, and the big one is
to avoid attracting bears to your residence.
Garbage should be stored where bears
can neither smell or gain access, either in a
bear-resistant container or inside a building
bears can't access. Use outside garbage cans
for nonfood items only. Haul garbage to an
approved disposal site as often as possible, but
at least once a week, to avoid build up of odors.
Garbage isn't the only thing that attracts
bears. Bears are highly adaptable and omnivorous so they are attracted to anything they can
eat that provides nutrition such as fruit trees.
Electric fencing is the most effective way to
keep bears out of orchards. Pick all fruit from
trees and the ground as soon as possible; do
not leave fruit through the fall.
Vegetable and flower gardens also attract
bears. Gardens should be located away from
forests or shrubs, which bears use for security
and travel. Bears will dig up carrots and bulbs
so electric fencing is an expectation if you plan
on having a garden in bear country.
Composting is not recommended because
the odors attract bears. If you do compost, use
an electric fence or enclosed, bear-resistant
composter. Don't put meat, grease or bones
in a compost pile.
Livestock and poultry feed, along with pet
food, should be stored in bear-resistant containers - such as a 55-gallon drum with a lid
that seals - preferably inside a sturdy building
that bears can't get into. Reduce spillage of oats
and pellets by feeding from buckets or other
containers, and don't leave leftover livestock
food out overnight.
Dogs and other pets should be kept inside
at night. If possible, feed pets inside. If you
must feed pets outside, feed only during the
day in amounts that will be consumed immediately. Don't leave bowls and pet food out
overnight.
Smaller domestic livestock can be easy food
for bears. Consider night penning and electric
8 | December 2020

As grizzly populations increase and their range broadens, more human-bear conflicts occur. Bears wander near homes searching for
food, cause property damage and make for a dangerous situation for the bear and landowner. (WGFD photo)

fencing (chickens, pigs, goats etc.). With more
hobby farming occurring, it is important to
consider if you want to have chickens or other
small domestic livestock in bear country. Do
not bury dead livestock because bears will dig
them up. Haul them to a landfill or rendering
plant.
Bears love honey as well as bee larvae found
in hives. You can protect the hives with electric fencing or by elevating the hives on platforms supported by metal poles that bears
can't climb.
Bird feeders also can attract bears. Feed suet
only during the winter months, and suspend
hummingbird feeders out of reach of bears

- at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet
away from any tree trunk or pole.
Make sure to supervise your children and
talk with them about bears and bear behavior.
Reinforce the things already discussed and
teach them what to do if they encounter a bear.
If bears get into garbage or other food,
remove or secure the attractant and notify
Game and Fish. Avoid giving bears a food
reward. Bears that associate people and residential areas with easy food rewards can
become dangerous and may eventually have
to be killed.
- Robert Gagliardi, WGFD

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Wildlife-in-Wyoming/More-Wildlife/Large-Carnivore/Grizzly-Bear-Management/Bear-Wise-Wyoming/Living-in-Bear-Country

Wyoming Wildlife magazine

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