It’s that time of year when the days are getting shorter and cooler. For bears, that means going to sleep for the winter is just around the corner. Before that happens though, they are intent on getting as many calories as possible into their bodies to fully prepare for their long winter.
Along the Eastern Slopes of Alberta, that typically means searching far and wide for food – any food, throughout September and October.
For those of us in the business of dealing with human-bear conflict, that can often mean a spike in conflict during the fall months as bears visit developed areas such as campgrounds, residential areas and farmyards.
If there is any chance of obtaining food in these areas, bears will take it. Typical foods of interest include garbage, pet food, bird feed, fruit trees, grain, beehives and chickens.
If we can secure foods from bears and other wildlife they don’t have a reason to stick around and will move on. Generally, if they find food they will return at some point.
Failure to properly secure attractants can create unnecessary public safety concerns and potential property damage. It can also result in the relocation or destruction of bears.
Relocating bears to unfamiliar environments so close to winter denning is not ideal and can have a low success rate. Properly securing attractants means not having to deal with any of these issues – a win-win for all concerned.
There are a variety of ways to secure food from bears:
• Garbage – place in closed building or in a bear-proof container. Plywood storage boxes, aluminum or plastic cans are not bear proof.
• Bird feed – don’t feed birds during the bear season (April 1 to Nov. 15).
• Chickens and beehives – use five- to six-strand electric fence at +6,000 V.
• Fruit trees – pick fruit or consider removing tree and replace with non-fruit bearing flowering tree.
• Pet food – feed pets inside or put just enough out for one meal.
• Grain – store grain in a bear-proof facility.
If you live, work or recreate in bear country, consider carrying bear spray and know how to use it, make noise when in areas of poor visibility, travel in groups where possible and keep dogs on leash. For more information on best practices for living, working and recreating in bear country, visit Alberta BearSmart at aep.alberta.ca/recreation-public-use/alberta-bear-smart/default.aspx
If you need to report a wildlife-related public safety concern, please call the Report a Poacher number at 1-800-642-3800.
- Honeyman is a biologist with the Alberta government. His article was submitted by the Sundre Fish and Wildlife office.
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