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What To Do Wednesday: Issue #5

April 2, 2014/in Blog, What To Do Wednesday

What to do to keep bears out of your yard.

Photo Credit: jessleephotos.com / Defenders of Wildlife

Photo Credit: jessleephotos.com / Defenders of Wildlife

By this point, most people will be well aware that bears are out and about again. As we highlighted in an earlier post, living with bears (and all carnivores) requires that we make a number of changes to our lifestyle and behavior in order to safely coexist. It was recently brought to our attention, however, that there is an often overlooked bear-human safety issue: lawns & gardens. Things like bird feeders, carrying bear spray when recreating, and proper trash and food storage get a lot of attention (rightly so), but it may not be particularly obvious that something as subtle as your lawn can be a major bear attractant. Hence, we believe it is worth discussing how to keep bears out of your yard.

Black and grizzly bears are both highly omnivorous, with over 50% of their diet coming from plant matter such as wildflowers, roots, tubers, berries, and nuts. So, we really shouldn’t be surprised that they are equally enticed by Kentucky bluegrass, dandelions, clover, or those delicious raspberry plants in your backyard. The appearance of bears in residential areas in the urban-wildland interface has become such a frequent event that some state agencies have developed “bear unwelcome mats” to deter bears from snooping around yards and homes.

A grizzly in Yellowstone chewing on grasses.

A grizzly in Yellowstone chewing on grasses (USFWS).

As populations of humans and bears continue to increase and come into contact more frequently, it becomes necessary to think of innovative and more effective ways to prevent conflict. So, without further ado, here are some tips to “bear-proof” your yard:

  • Avoid planting Kentucky bluegrass or clover. If you have it, keep your lawn mowed and weeded.
  • If you have a garden or fruit-bearing trees, fence them. Electric fencing might be needed to adequately protect them from bears.
  • Flowers and other fragrant plants, while they may not be “food rewards,” are certainly bear attractants.
  • Don’t compost outside – bears don’t mind rotting things!
  • Keep deer and other small mammals away – where prey go, predators are sure to follow.
  • Enjoy those backyard BBQ’s responsibly! Always keep an eye on the food, clean up afterwards, and store your grill indoors.

For more information on living with bears and other wildlife, visit your state wildlife agency’s website or check out this great document from Defenders of Wildlife. Special thanks to Wyoming Game & Fish for publicizing this issue and providing us with additional information.

https://cougarfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CougarFundBlack.png 0 0 Penny https://cougarfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CougarFundBlack.png Penny2014-04-02 08:24:012014-04-02 08:24:01What To Do Wednesday: Issue #5

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We wouldnt cross a bridge in danger of collapse or go into a building that wasnt stable, so why do we accept the removal of keystone species for human gratification and a landscape without all the parts that keep the system functioning? Celebrating the PUMA today and everyday for what this magnificent animal gives us and our environment. https://cougarfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Keystone-Species.pdf

We wouldn't cross a bridge in danger of collapse or go into a building that wasn't stable, so why do we accept the removal of keystone species for human gratification and a landscape without all the parts that keep the system functioning? Celebrating the PUMA today and everyday for what this magnificent animal gives us and our environment. cougarfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Keystone-Species.pdf ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago
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Right!

Beautifully stated.

Needed to control the whitetail population in Indiana.

So beautiful.. Love them all.

Nothing like a little face to face in the fog at night, after your ride forgot to pick you up, (the one time I left my hiking bells at home). Unless it is waking to fresh snow and big cat tracks right up to where your head had been laying while you slept. Here Yowler! Here boy! 🤣

Hunting wild animals should be outlawed and replaced with outdoor photography

Humans worst parasites

Humans are inhumane. Ironic.

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This content isn't available right now ... See MoreSee Less

This content isn't available right now

When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.
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Just look in the White House

There should be no hunting or trapping

The #GreatWhiteHunter is a predator..

Wow! it's that time again, The Cougar Fund is once again participating in Old Bill’s Fun Run, a community wide fundraiser through the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole. During Old Bill’s gifts to participating nonprofits are partially matched, meaning your gift to the Cougar Fund has even greater impact. You can give online at oldbills.org and designate The Cougar Fund as the recipient of your gift. www.oldbills.org/give ... See MoreSee Less

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How to Give

www.oldbills.org

Learn how to give through Old Bill's of Jackson, WY - there are many ways to donate to Teton County nonprofits. By donating through Old Bill’s during the giving season, the impact of each designated...
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PlayHow do you cougar-proof a domestic animal enclosure?

A very useful presentation to help small livestock growers AND mountain lions! ... See MoreSee Less

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Photography & Video by Thomas D. Mangelsen and Wild Nature Media.
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Let me tell you ’bout the Bears and the Bees!What To Do Wednesday: Issue #6
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