It’s the Season for Young Bears on the Prowl

First posted on 08-05-2010

Like human teenagers, young bears have problems and can create problems. They roam around in late spring looking for a territory of their own. They want something to eat, and they are inexperienced about earning it. A young bear’s keen nose often leads him (most of the wanderers are males) to food near houses, and the troubles begin.

Myron Means, who heads the bear program for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, said, “Black bears have large canine teeth typical of carnivores, but they are actually classified as omnivores (they eat anything) and their diet is mostly fruits, berries and nuts, with the majority of their ‘meat’ being insects. When natural foods are scarce (usually in early summer), they may overcome their fear of people and seek food around human habitations. If a hungry, roaming bear finds an easy meal of pet food, garbage or bird feeders, it may hang around long enough to cause serious problems for the property owner and itself.”

Some people feed bears, so they can watch and photograph them. However, state law prohibits placing bait to attract bears, whether at your house, in a campground or anywhere else. The problems go further than being subjected to a $100 to $1,000 fine.

When a bear is fed by people, it learns to associate people with food. It will then investigate human activity whether food is present or not. This habit is difficult to discourage, and if handouts are taken away, bears will still search for other human food, getting into garbage cans, dumpsters, compost piles and domestic animal food supplies such as dog and fish food.

Keeping garbage out of reach of bears is the easiest, most effective way to reduce bear problems. Don’t stockpile garbage; haul it off or burn it often. Keep storage containers airtight and odor free, using a scented disinfectant to clean them. Store garbage in tightly sealed bags, or use your freezer to temporarily store strong-smelling foods like fish and meat. If possible, use bear-proof garbage containers or hang garbage at least 12 feet high suspended between two trees.

Well-meaning people often leave large quantities of dog food in self-feeders or store it in garbage cans for easy access. Bears are attracted by this easy-to-obtain food. If you live in bear country, feed dogs only what they will eat that day. Store dog, fish or livestock food in a bear-proof container or protect it with electric fencing.

Bears are fond of honey, causing conflicts between bears and beekeepers. Electric fences used to contain livestock are effective bear deterrents. Hives should be kept in open, mowed areas rather than wooded sites. Elevated platforms also restrict bears’ access to hives.

No food should be stored in out-buildings or cabins, as bears are strong and can easily remove windows and doors to reach the food source. It’s also wise to keep barbecue grills and picnic tables clean so odors don’t attract bears.

Black bears can run 30 miles per hour for short distances, but they seldom prey on free-ranging livestock like sheep, goats and hogs. Coyotes or feral dogs are more common culprits, and when a bear gets caught eating the remains, it’s blamed for damage it did not do.

The Game and Fish Commission is equipped to capture and relocate nuisance bears when all other means have been used to prevent the problem or if the bear poses a threat to human life or property. The trauma of capture and immobilization is usually sufficient to deter future nuisance activity by that individual bear. If you have a nuisance bear problem, contact the wildlife management office nearest you as soon as possible: Jonesboro, 877-972-5438; Monticello, 877-367-3553; Russellville, 877-967-7577; Brinkley, 877-734-4581; Hope, 877-777-5580; Calico Rock, 877-297-4331; Hot Springs, 877-525-8606; Fort Smith, 877-478-1043; Eureka Springs, 866-253-2506; Camden, 877-836-4612; Little Rock, 501-223-6430.

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