Bear Advice

Bears are attracted to garbage, pet food, compost piles, fruit trees, and birdfeeders. Make your place a "No-Bear-Food-Zone"!

NEVER feed bears, intentionally or accidentally!
Remove birdfeeders and bird food from late March through November. Clean up spilled seed from the ground. Store any unused bird seed and suet in a location not accessible to bears, such as a closed garage. Do not store bird seed in screened porches or sheds where bears will be able to rip screens or break through windows to access the seed.
Store garbage in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or other enclosed storage area. Adding ammonia to trash cans and bags will reduce odors that attract bears. Periodically clean garbage cans with ammonia to reduce residual odor. Do not store recyclables in a porch or screened sunroom as bears can smell these items and will rip screens to get at them. Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before. Ask your garbage removal company if they provide bear-proof garbage cans.
Keep barbecue grills clean. Store grills inside a garage or shed.
Do not leave pet food outdoors or feed pets outside.
Supervise pets at all times when outside.
Avoid placing meat scraps or sweet foods, such as fruit and fruit peels, in compost piles.
If you see a bear in your yard, do not approach it! Go into your house, garage, or other structure. If the bear persistently approaches, go on the offensive—shout, wave your arms, and throw sticks or rocks.

NEVER feed bears, intentionally or accidentally!