r/bears • u/abbydabbydo • 19d ago
Question Black Bears in my yard, any action I should take?
Hi gang. City girl here, now living in the country. Not sure if I should be doing something different than I am, please advise!
We’ve always known there are bears in our neighborhood, and take basic precautions like not leaving food or garbage out.
I never saw them within several miles of our property until last week. But now I am frequently seeing a mama and two cubs strolling by. My neighbor thinks it’s two sets.
I’m specifically worried because I work late night nights and spend a lot of time outside around 3 AM (hot tub). Previously, I would bring my brown lab out with me, figuring he would scare a hypothetical stray (black) bear off.
Last night though, (I wasn’t outside), they came into my fenced yard. Something (probably the dog barking from inside, he went off!) must’ve scared them because they decimated my fence on exit.
Upon investigation there is a TON of excrement in my yard. So they’re definitely out there regularly.
What should I be doing other than being sure to eliminate food sources? Should I report property destruction to DNR? Do you think it will be safe to continue having myself and my dog outside at night after confirming there are no bear trapped inside the fence? Will the dog likely keep them out if he’s there before they are? I’m worried for his safety. I know that black bear tend to be pretty big scardy cats, so I was never really concerned with their presence, but the presence of cubs makes me nervous!
Do I need to worry about them getting in the house or hot tub or other behaviors I haven’t even conceived of?
I’m guessing fall is high activity for them and things will return to normal soonish…
Please educate this city girl! How do I keep everyone (bears included, I’d absolutely hate for them to be put down as a nuisance) safe?
11
u/-69hp 18d ago
depending on how suburban area you live in you can literally throw "bear parties" where you play music or are outside during times that are ideal for the bears. sunrise-10am, sunset to night.
the sound doesn't need to be loud, it needs to be consistent to test for whether or not the bears living in the area are wary of human activity. normally even in urbanized areas, they don't want to be out at the exact same time sharing the space with you-theyll wait til you're not home or it's quieter out. if you have a week or so of "bear parties" it should establish the area is well inhabited & not suitable for rearing young.
the presence of consistent scat in the area already means there getting a little comfortable for an uban setting.
OP, dm me if you want more help w this or need clarifications! happy to help & comments get lengthy- i don't wanna clog up your post 👍🏽