What To Do If A Bear Is On Your Property

Don't panic, but the likelihood of encountering a bear on your property is increasing. Not only is the bear population on the rise, but the tendency for bears to hang out in urban areas is increasing. When we say "bear," we are primarily referring to the black bear (Ursus Americanus), which can be found in 40 of the 50 U.S. states. These bears are not only found in rural neighborhoods, but often live year-round within 3 miles of a city, and sometimes even venture into metropolitan areas.

If you look out the window and see a bear in your yard, no need to go outside and greet it. Stay safely indoors and contact the entity in your state that handles "nuisance bears" to discuss humane ways to keep them out of your yard. This will be an agency with some combination of "fish," "game," "wildlife," and "natural resources" in its title. The agency can either remove the nuisance bear via live-trapping or inform you of legalities if you are interested in removing the bear yourself. Be aware there's a reasonable likelihood the bear will eventually return to the area, even if relocated more than 100 miles away. 

If you have a close encounter with a bear on your property, remain calm. Stay in place or back away slowly, but don't run, as the bear may chase you, and they're faster than they look. Never deliberately approach a bear or offer it food. Be especially cautious around a mama bear with cubs, as she will likely be fiercely protective. Do not approach the cubs. If the bear is a safe distance away and hasn't altered its behavior, you can safely move inside. However, if the bear comes closer to you and seems agitated, try making loud noises like clapping, or throw non-food items at it. Try raising your arms above your head or moving to higher ground to appear larger. Bear spray can be effective, but of course, you must have it with you and know how it use it. 

The presence of bears on your property need not be an issue if you keep bears away from your yard in the first place. Remove access to anything that a bear could use as a food source. For example, you can keep hungry bears out of your backyard bird feeder with helpful tips, such as purchasing a bear-proof feeder or using bird seed that doesn't appeal to bears. The same goes for pet food; don't tempt bears by leaving it where they can get to it. Arguably, the biggest attractant for bears is your tasty, delicious garbage, so you will want to store it in a secure location — such as a garage — or invest in bear-proof trash locks. Secure your recycling, too, as it will likely carry food aromas.