American black bear (Ursus americanus) feeding on grass
Client concern
In September, a family contacted us after observing a black bear visiting their rural property and it was believed to have accessed their bird feeders. As the family had young children, they were concerned about the possibility of the bear returning.
Site Investigation
A thorough on-site assessment of the property and surrounding area was conducted. The yard is adjacent to the Elbow River valley which functions as a natural wildlife corridor in the area.
Most of the yard consisted primarily of maintained lawn. From the northwestern corner of the unfenced yard, a trail lead downhill towards the river at the valley bottom. Dense vegetation was present behind a large deck on the northern side of the property, while the west and south sides were bordered by a small, wooded area. The property had only one immediate neighbor, to the east, whose residence was temporarily unoccupied due to extended travel.
Several bird feeders were located on the deck. Seed debris was scattered underneath them, and one feeder showed signs of damage, indicating bear activity. A plywood container holding birdseed was also stored on the deck that the bear accessed since the box was unsecured. Even if locked, such a container would not be bear-resistant. Garbage was appropriately stored in a locked enclosure attached to the house; however, a compost bin located near the deck had also been accessed by the bear.
Bear scats were found all over the property containing remnants of crabapples. While no crabapple trees were present on the property itself, several were located in the neighboring yard.
Risk Assessment and Client Consultation
This situation represents a typical example of how bears become habituated to residential areas. Bears frequently travel along river and creek beds, which can lead them into developed landscapes. As highly opportunistic animals, they readily exploit available food sources once discovered. The property’s location along the Elbow River, which is a natural wildlife corridor in the area, combined with dense vegetation on three sides, provides ideal cover for bears to approach the yard undetected.
Recommendations Provided
Grass can serve as an attractant, particularly in spring and early summer. The lawn should be kept regularly mowed, and weeds such as dandelion and clover—which are especially attractive to bears—should be controlled.
Bird feeders, including hummingbird feeders, should not be used during periods of bear activity, March through November, the best would be to avoid using them entirely. All birdseeds should be stored securely inside the building.
The compost bin should be removed or replaced with a bear-resistant system, such as one protected by an electric fence. Assistance with purchase and installation of appropriate electric fence can be provided if requested.
The crabapple trees on the neighboring property represent a significant attractant. Upon the neighbors’ return, it is strongly recommended that fruit be removed before ripening or that the trees be replaced with non-fruit-bearing ornamental species. Assistance with neighbor communication is available if needed.
Garbage storage practices on the property are proper. It is essential, however, that garbage be placed outside only on the morning of collection. Even a single overnight exposure can attract bears. Once bears obtain food from garbage, they quickly learn to associate humans with high-calorie rewards, often leading to repeated conflicts on the same and/or other properties and, ultimately, relocation or destruction by wildlife management authorities.
Outcome
During a follow-up call, the clients confirmed that they had removed the bird feeders till the winter, secured birdseed indoors, and eliminated the compost bin. The bear did not return prior to winter denning, and the family reported a significant sense of relief. They were advised that, should the bear return in future seasons, additional mitigation measures could be implemented as needed.
