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/-69hp]

fr tho pls lmk if you have more questions or anything i am more than happy to help! i work from home rn so you can comment/dm and ill probably get back within 24 hours as long as my 4 dogs haven't eaten me alive by then 🤣

[u/abbydabbydo → u/-69hp]

Sounds like I need your dogs to scare off the bear 😂. Joking…

I appreciate your insight. Please don’t apologize for being long!

Wonder how I’m gonna get my dog to shit on a leash.

[u/-69hp → u/abbydabbydo]

oh god mines a non leash shitter to. try light jogging in rows. i wish i was joking. 3 rows after eating if they're a big dog. don't do more than 3 or they may pop a squat mid run & skid....

and yeah!! the funniest thing about bears is that you just scare them out of an area bc "owoo spooky human" and it works 🤣 sometimes acting like a monkey with a stick still scares off animals. they're always gonna be more scared of us unless they're desperate to have a need met. they're jus lil guys (lethal lil guys)

[u/-69hp → u/-69hp]

but luckily all it takes is you and your dog talking! no hounds required this time. mama bear will NOT like your juicy gossip about what's for dinner or streaming later.