Bear Coexistence Advisory from Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department šŸ»

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is receiving reports from across the state of black bears seeking food in yards, outbuildings, and livestock enclosures this spring.Ā Ā Many of these situations can be prevented if people take steps to make their backyards bear-safe before a bear shows up.

Bearsā€”and peopleā€”are at risk when bears spend time in human-dominated landscapes.Ā Ā And every time a bear finds an easy meal of birdseed, compost, or unsecured garbage, they are learning a dangerous association between people and food.Ā Ā Coexisting with bears starts with you taking the following steps to help keep bears wild:

Birdfeeders are a big problem!Ā Ā Take down birdfeeders until December.Ā Ā You can attract birds by planting bird friendly native plants insteadā€”check out Audubonā€™s Native Plants for Birds Program:Ā https://www.audubon.org/native-plantsĀ Ā [Link]

Make your garbage inaccessible.Ā Ā Store garbage in a secure structure and a bear proof container.Ā Ā Learn how to make your garbage can bear proof here: https://vtfishandwildlife.com/sites/fishandwildlife/files/documents/Learn%20More/Living%20with%20Wildlife/Living%20with%20Bears/bear-resistant-retrofit-polycart.pdfĀ Ā [Link]

Dispose of garbage frequently.Ā Ā If you have pick-up services, wait until the morning to put your garbage out.Ā Demand bear proof dumpsters for your community.

Follow steps for composting in bear country.Ā Ā Compost needs to be 3 parts brown materials to 1 part kitchen scraps, turned frequently, and kept in a sturdy tumbler or bin:Ā https://vtfishandwildlife.com/node/260Ā Ā [Link]

Use electric fencing to keep chickens and bees safe.Ā Ā Fences need to be 4,000-6,000 volts, tested regularly and baited:https://vtfishandwildlife.com/node/1996Ā Ā [Link]

Clean your grill after every use.

Make bears feel uncomfortable in your yard.Ā Ā Yell, bang pots and pans, or use other noise devices from inside your home.Ā Ā Never shoot a bear to scare it.Ā Ā Even BBs can seriously injure bears.

Please report your bear encounters to Vermont Fish & Wildlife.Ā Ā These reports allow us to help you prevent future bear incidents.Ā Ā They also give us information to help all Vermonters better coexist with bears: https://anrweb.vt.gov/FWD/FW/WildlifeBearReport.aspxĀ Ā [Link]

Following these steps can save bears’ lives, and help protect you, your neighbors, and your property.Ā Ā Please do your part to be a good neighbor and help keep Vermont’s bears wild!

If you have questions, contact the Vermont Fish and Wildlife department atĀ 802-828-1000, orĀ [email protected]Ā .