Avoid Attracting Bears

Observing wildlife while tending to our yards is one of the many joys of gardening; however, “Now is the time to keep bears from becoming a nuisance later in the summer,” according to Mark Ternent, Pennsylvania Game Commission black bear biologist. Bears are less likely to stay or return if they do not find anything rewarding. Ternent listed five suggestions that could prevent attracting bears to a property:

Play it smart. Do not feed wildlife. Food placed outside for wildlife, such as corn for squirrels, may attract bears. Summer bird feeder tips from Audubon Pennsylvania include: avoid using sunflower seeds, hummingbird nectar mixes or suet; bring feeders inside at night; or suspend feeders from high crosswires so they are at least 10 feet above the ground and four feet from anything a bear can climb, including overhead limbs.

Keep it clean. Don’t put out garbage until pick-up day; don’t throw table scraps out back; don’t add fruit or vegetable wastes to your compost pile; clean your barbecue grill regularly; and bring pet food dishes inside overnight.

Keep your distance. If a bear shows up in your backyard, stay calm. Shout at it but don’t approach it. If the bear won't leave, call the nearest Game Commission regional office or local police department.

Eliminate temptation. Bears that visit your area are often drawn there. Neighbors need to work together to reduce an area’s appeal to bears. Ask area businesses to keep dumpsters closed and bear-proofed (chained or locked shut with a metal lid).

Check please! If your dog is barking, or cat is clawing at the door to get in, try to determine what has alarmed your pet using outside lights and from a safe position, such as a porch or an upstairs window. Don't do it on foot with a flashlight. Black bears blend in too well with nighttime surroundings providing the chance for a close encounter.

To report nuisance bears, contact the Game Commission Region Office nearest you. The telephone numbers for the Northeast Region Office in Dallas, Luzerne County, is 570-675-1143.

More information on bears is available on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by clicking on the “Wildlife” tab in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, and then selecting “Black Bears” From the “Mammals” section. Or contact your local cooperative extension office. In Lackawanna County ask for the Garden Help line at 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu


Terry Schettini, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
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