What To Do If You Find A Bear Den In Your Yard

It's not uncommon for wildlife to intermingle with human communities. Habitat loss can force bears to seek food, shelter, and a place to raise their young close to populated areas. These creatures are opportunistic and crafty; they will find a way to survive in nearly any environment. When wild territories are limited, your storm cellar, garden shed, or under your deck can start to look like great options for a den. In most cases, this is a time to call for expert assistance from your local wildlife agency.

Black bears exist throughout the continental United States. Black bears aren't likely to attack you unprovoked — they're quite timid and not particularly territorial. Grizzly bears are more dangerous, but they only live in isolated populations far from most humans. Still, all bears are large, formidable creatures. At the very least, a bear on your property can be concerning for pet owners and make a big mess in search of food or shelter. 

If you find a bear den, don't panic. Bears aren't likely to bother you while they're hibernating, so it's safe to co-exist. If you find an occupied bear den in the winter, call your local Parks and Wildlife department for guidance. In many cases, you may be advised to leave the bear to hibernate for the winter. "Homeowners can safely coexist with the bears until they leave the den in the spring. This is because a denning bear is only interested in getting their winter rest or, if it's a female, caring for her cubs," Colleen Olfenbuttel, a bear expert with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, explains (via Mountain Xpress). Disturbing a mother bear can sometimes cause her to abandon her cubs, so it's often best to leave them alone if possible. 

Confirming that you've found a bear den is a good first step. Bears will scope out their territory in summer for potential den sites, then begin moving into dens in fall. Since they don't have collarbones, even adult bears can fit into extremely tight spaces, so be diligent. Bears are also more than capable of using handles to find their way into structures, sheds, or RVs. If you own a large expanse of property, you might also find them in rock crevices, hillside hollows, or underneath large trees. Bears sometimes line the floor of their den with vegetation or make a bed of leaves. Other signs you have a bear may include scat, stripped bark, digging, or claw marks, or knocked-over trash bins.

Closely follow the advice of your local wildlife specialist, keep pets away from the den, and avoid disturbing the bear. Bears don't typically reuse the same den, but another bear might discover the spot if it's not properly sealed up. It's important to take precautionary measures to block off access. Be sure to keep ground-level doors and windows locked. Scan the property to shore up your defenses again come fall ahead of hibernation season.

The best way to keep bears away from you yard is to never give them a reason to visit. Bears are more likely to come poking around if they smell food. Exposed pet food, bird feed, or livestock feed can all be temptations for a hungry bear. Sweet-smelling antifreeze can also attract bears, so hide this away securely too. Keep bird feeders at least 10 feet off the ground, diligently pick up fruit litter from trees and bushes, and use a ratchet strap to keep bears out of your trash cans.