How to Protect Your Property From Black Bears During Peak Season
Late June and early July represent the peak season for human-bear interactions in New Hampshire, as black bears become increasingly active in search of food. New Hampshire Fish and Game officials report an average of 450 calls for assistance annually during this period. The primary driver of these conflicts is the availability of unsecured food sources, such as birdseed and household trash, which attract bears to residential backyards and cause them to become habituated to human environments.
Why Should You Remove Bird Feeders in the Summer?
Bird feeders are a primary attractant for black bears, according to Dan Bailey of New Hampshire Fish and Game. Because bears possess a highly developed sense of smell, they can detect birdseed from miles away. Bailey notes that birds have an abundance of natural food sources during the summer months, making supplemental feeding unnecessary. By leaving feeders out, homeowners inadvertently encourage bears to frequent their property, where the animals quickly grow comfortable foraging near human dwellings. Residents in areas like Auburn have reported multiple sightings of bears and cubs in residential yards, often occurring over several consecutive days.
How Can You Secure Your Property Against Bears?
The most effective way to prevent property damage is to remove all potential food sources. This includes taking down bird feeders and ensuring that residential trash cans are stored in secure, bear-resistant containers. Homeowners should also clean up any spilled birdseed remaining from the winter season. When bears find reliable food sources, such as the peanuts reported in one Auburn case where a feeder was destroyed, they are likely to return. If you keep poultry or small livestock, New Hampshire Fish and Game recommends the installation of electric fencing.
What Are the Risks of Escalating Bear Interactions?
The consequences of bear-human interactions extend beyond property damage. New Hampshire Fish and Game has observed a recent increase in the number of bears being shot by chicken owners attempting to protect their livestock. This shift in behavior highlights the importance of proactive deterrence rather than reactive measures. By securing trash and installing electric barriers, property owners can reduce the likelihood of dangerous encounters that might otherwise necessitate lethal intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are bears more active in my yard during early summer?
Late June and early July coincide with a natural peak in bear activity. When unsecured food sources are available, bears quickly learn to exploit residential backyards.
Is it safe to keep bird feeders out if I haven’t seen a bear yet?
No. New Hampshire Fish and Game advises that there is no need to feed birds in the summer, as natural food is plentiful. Removing feeders is the best way to prevent attracting bears to your home.
What is the best way to protect my chickens from bears?
Electric fencing is the most effective barrier. To be successful, the fence must be installed correctly and maintain a charge of at least 5,000 volts.
Have you had a bear encounter in your neighborhood? Share your experience in the comments below or contact our newsroom to report local sightings.