Bear Safety At Home

The key to preventing the visit of bears is to control bear attractants in your yard. The following items attract bears and need to be carefully managed:

GARBAGE
All garbage must be stored inside a shed or bear-resistant container. Even beverage tins or food boxes will attract bears.

FOOD
Human and pet food should never be left outside. Clean the barbeque off by burning food remains off and cleaning after every use. Cover the barbeque when not in use.

BIRD FEEDERS
Bears are highly attracted to bird seed because of it’s high calorie content. Take feeders down until bears hibernate over winter. Do not store bird seed where bears may access it.

COMPOST
Do not put fish, meat, fat, oils, unrinsed eggshells, or any cooked foods in your compost. If you live in heavily forested area, consider not composting any food items.

FRUIT TREES
Are a huge bear attractant. Bears love the rotting fruit on the ground and the fresh fruit on trees. Pick all ripe fruit and remove any fruit trees that are unused.

YARD
Never leave coolers or freezers outdoors, nor anything that has food smells. Bears are also attracted to petroleum products such as car oil.

IF A BEAR IS IN YOUR YARD
REMAIN CALM, DO NOT RUN, DO NOT APPROACH THE BEAR

	When the bear finds no food it will move on and away
	Go inside, bring children and pets inside, let neighbors know of the bear
	From inside, make noise and often the bear will leave
	If a bear climbs a tree on your property make sure you keep people and pets away! The bear will come down when it is quiet and safe to do so. Often this will not happen until night.

Questions? Call Golden Bear Aware 290-1222 (local call in Golden)

If the bear is threatening, persistent or aggressive call the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277 (toll free number).

There are many good resources in books and websites, see our Resources page.