Living in a place where bears frequent creates a very unique problem for homeowners. Not only do you need to consider the safety of your family when in the woods, but you also need to consider the fact that bears will come into your yard and even your home. As such, it is important that you bear proof your yard and home, and know what to do if a bear comes into your yard. Here are a number of bear proofing tips that you can implement to keep those bears out of your backyard and home for good.
1. First and foremost, understand that bears enter your yard for one of two things. Food or curiosity. Not much can be done about the curiosity, but you can certainly help control the food problem. Never feed a bear. Period. If you have bird feeders or other wildlife feeding areas, get rid of them. Those birds and squirrels are cute, but they can find their own food. You might just be drawing in a bear with them.
2. Always keep your windows and doors closed. The scents from inside your home can and will draw in bears, and they will come after food if they think it is inside.
3. Make sure to use heavy wooden doors on areas that are accessible to bears. Also install deadbolts to use when you are at home. Also install double paned windows to help with window security. If a bear really wants in, none of these things are guarantees. They will, however, improve your odds. Consider it pest control on steroids.
4. Look into the various bear repelling products on the market. These range from products to mask odors to products that will make a loud noise if a bear crosses into your yard. All are worth looking into if you live in bear country.
5. When you leave your home, make sure that you leave a television or radio playing. Bears are more likely to stay out if they think someone is around.
6. Take your garbage to the dump immediately, and do not have outdoors trash. Keep the trash in as close to an airtight container as possible, and take them to the trash everytime you get the chance.
7. Keep pets indoors and never ever leave them unattended outdoors. This is especially true of small dogs.
8. If you do have a bear come into your yard, do not ever approach them. Blow a horn, make loud noises, and generally let them know that they are not welcome. All from the security and safety of your home. Bears are quick and can catch you very swiftly. Do not think that you can run away because you can not. Keep your distance and stay behind closed, locked doors.
