Bears Seen, Time to Clean

Spring is here, and so are bears. Warmer weather often brings motivation to do some deep cleaning around the house. Warmer weather also means bears are waking up and searching for food.

Here are a few things to add to your spring cleaning list with bears in mind:

Lock Up Garbage

Garbage is one of the biggest causes of conflict between people and bears. Keep all garbage, including recycling, either stored in a hard-sided, locked building (like a garage or shed) or in a bear-resistant container. If you use a trash hauling service, ask your hauler about getting a bear-resistant can. If you haul your own trash, you buy a bear-resistant can at your local hardware store. Learn more about garbage storage here.

Take Down Birdfeeders

Birdseed is a high-calorie and sought-after snack for bears. Take down feeders (including hummingbird feeders), bring any leftover seed indoors, and clean up any seed that’s on the ground. To keep the birds coming to your yard, put out some birdbaths and plant native (non-fruiting!) trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Prep Your Garden

While it’s too early to plant anything in the Northern Rockies, you can make sure bears won’t get into your garden later in the season. Consider adding an electric fence around your garden, fruit trees, and compost piles. Check out our electric fencing manual to learn how to build a permanent fence to deter bears.

Barbeque Responsibly

Before pulling out your grill or smoker for the season, make sure you keep an open spot to store it inside a garage or other locked, hard-sided building when you’re not using it. (If it has to stay outside, make sure it’s cleaned and covered after each use.) Don’t leave food or coolers outside unattended.

Secure Chickens and Other Livestock

Electric fencing can be put around coops and pens to keep chickens, pigs, goats, bees, and other animals safe. Don’t forget to keep any livestock feed in a bear-resistant container. If you have household pets, make sure their food is stored inside.

Sniff Out Other Attractants

Bears are curious and can smell odors miles away. Check out our bear-safe property checklist to learn what other common attractants may be around your house and how to keep them away from bears.