6 Easy Ways to Keep Hungry Bears Out Of Your Yard

There's no sure way to keep the newly awakened bears out of your yard, but there are a few things you can do that will help prevent attracting them.

How Long Do Bears Hibernate?

My husband, Jim, and I are all too familiar with these tips, since we live in the woods. We've never had a bear come into our yard, but have heard the reports of others in our community. Each Spring, Orrington's community Facebook pages are filled with reports of bear sightings, broken bird feeders, and rummaged rubbish cans. Whether it's the scent of our dogs that's kept them away, following these basic tips, or just dumb luck, we're glad something's working.

Bears typically being hibernating in December and they stay curled up in their dens through April. So you can imagine how hungry they are when they first wake up. They want to find as much food as they can. And since the natural supplies are not yet plentiful, they have to find alternative sources.

What Attracts Them To My Property?

That's where you come in. If you're providing them with some sort of food source, they're going to come into your yard. And, once they've found that source, they'll keep coming back as long as it's available. I mean, wouldn't you? If Texas Roadhouse was offering free steaks, I know I'd go back again and again, until they started charging me. (then I'd still go back, but I digress)

Where Did You Get This Info?

Over the years, I've had many conversations with Maine Bear Biologist Jen Vachon, who's given me tips on how to avoid attracting bears to your property. Here's a list of her best suggestions.