Should I fear this black bear?

Question

This is kinda funny, but not. I live in the middle of the woods, but there are really not any kind of dangerous animals around here. Today, we got a call that there's a 300 pound black bear running around in our back yard in the middle of the day, which is very strange. Should I go about my business and go where I need to go today or stay in the house and hope he goes away soon? I'd do it tomorrow, but I'm pretty much about to go into labor any day, so my stuff has to get done when I know I have a minute! Yeah, I probably sound stupid, but I'm from a Philly suburb, and this is the first time since I've lived in the woods that this has been an issue. Is there anything you can do to deter a black bear or should I just not take my chances? Just for all the activists, I know I live in the woods, and I am in their habitat and I am NOT complaining that the bear is here. I just don't want to be attacked.

Answer 1

I get bears in my yard too...also live up the forest. Bears usually do forage by day..nothing unusual about that, they will forage at night when there are too many people of disturbances during the day. You can deter the bear from coming into your yard by making sure that there is no food to attract him there. Make sure garbage is not left out, or the trash can is "bear proof", don't leave pets food or water out, and if there is even food in your car which is parked out there, make sure you remove it from your car. I really take no precautions about my comings and goings, I do not stay in my house when the bear is around...just go about your business as normal. The bear will try and avoid people whenever possible, black bears are highly unlikely to attack. A female protecting her young may be more aggressive and be more likely to attack if her cubs are being threatened, but other than that, bears will not just attack for no reason. If you ever are to come in contact with a bear...do NOT run, just hold your ground. You can back away slowly and get back to your house or shelter. I have actually been within about 15 feet of the bears in my yard. They did not run from me, nor did they approach, but did want to get away from me. Just give them thier space...and they will give you yours.

Answer 2

Black bears are smaller than grizzlies, and they eat pretty much the same thing. It has been said that the only thing a bear is afraid of is a bigger bear. Since black bears are smaller, they are naturally scared of the grizzly and try to avoid a confrontation. Black bears are not necessarily afraid of people, unless we act like a grizzly by looking tall and making a lot of threatening noises, which is what some black bear experts recommend. Of course, like grizzlies, black bear mothers are very protective of their cubs, and a mother black bear can maul an human being if she feels that her cubs are in danger.

Answer 3

There are plenty of black bears here where I live. There is no reason to fear them. They are very shy of humans and run when they encounter a person. Keep any food source or garbage indoors or in a shed or garage. Of course if they don't run away when they see you, go indoors. Black bear attacks are very rare. You are more likely to be struck by lightning.

Answer 4

Have you personally seen the bear in your back yard? Do you have neighbors close enough to see your back yard?

If you have not seen the bear, and your vehicle is closely parked to your door. You probably shouldn't have a problem.

If this bear continues to stay around your house you may need to call a game warden to come relocate the bear. Hopefully he won't return.

Black bears can become a nuisance once they start associating food with a particular location.

Here are some tips to keep from attracking black bears to your yard.

Because virtually all nuisance bear problems are the result of hungry bears being attracted to human food, pet food, bird food or garbage, chance encounters can be minimized by taking some simple precautions:

* Never feed bears - it's unwise, in many circumstances illegal, and it causes and perpetuates nuisance bear activity;
* If you believe that bears are being fed, intentionally or unintentionally, immediately report it to DEC;
* Stop feeding birds as soon as the snow melts. Birds do not need supplemental food in the summer when natural foods are most abundant. Clean up all seed fragments and shells left over from winter feeding, as the smell will attract bears;
* Dispose of garbage as frequently as possible. Store it in clean, secure containers (top-latched, tied or chained). Tie off garbage bags before placing in container;
* Keep garbage in cans inside buildings whenever possible;
* If garbage is picked up at the curb, put the garbage out just before the scheduled pickup or place it in a roadside bear-resistant container. Do not put garbage out the night before curbside pick-up;
* Clean garbage cans frequently with ammonia;
* Do not add meat scraps, bones or melon rinds to your compost pile;
* Do not burn garbage, especially meat scraps and grease;
* Clean barbecue grills before and after use and, after they cool down, store them inside;
* Feed pets indoors and store pet food indoors. If pets must be fed outdoors, take in all uneaten food and dishes before dark;
* Turn off kitchen exhaust fans that vent to the outside whenever possible.