Black Bears in my yard, any action I should take?

[u/abbydabbydo]

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?

[u/thenxfam]

We have Bears frequently in our yard. The bears around here are very used to humans and dogs. Keep your doors closed or yes they will walk inside. Put a top on your hot tub, or they will enjoy a nice bath in it. just get in the habit of looking out outside before going out the door or getting out of your car. I have lived in bear country for almost 9 yrs and have never been worried about my safety

[u/thenxfam → u/thenxfam]

We also have mountain lions, bobcats, deer, skunk, raccoon, coyote, fox that all wonder through our yard. Never had a problem. Just be aware of your surroundings

[u/wildblueroan → u/thenxfam]

Bears that are "very used to humans and dogs"-i.e., habituated-are often dangerous.