Liam Carter
There are several methods to deter bears, including the use of bear spray, noisemakers, electric fencing, and unwelcome mats. Bear spray is a non-lethal self-defense deterrent that can be made at home by blending garlic and cayenne pepper powder with water and vegetable oil. Noisemakers can also be used to deter bears, but they may not be effective in crowded neighborhoods or if the bear has previously been exposed to noise deterrents. Electric fencing and unwelcome mats, made of plywood boards with nails sticking out, can help secure attractants long-term. It is important to note that no bear deterrent method can guarantee 100% success, but taking precautions and following BearSmart practices can reduce the likelihood of bear encounters and increase the chances of a safe outcome.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of deterrent | Unwelcome mats, scare devices, bear spray |
| Unwelcome mats | Made of plywood boards with nails sticking out. Nails should protrude 3/4" to 1" from the board. |
| Scare devices | Radios, pots and pans, car horns, air horns, wildlife deterrent horns, etc. |
| Bear spray ingredients | Garlic, cayenne pepper powder, vegetable oil, water, vinegar, pine oil, liquid soap, pepper powders |
| Bear spray usage | Spray towards the bear's face from about 25 feet away |
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What You'll Learn
Electric fencing
The first step to deterring bears is to remove and secure attractants. Bears have a strong sense of smell, which they use primarily to find food sources. Electric fencing can be used to secure these attractants long-term.
When a bear touches an electric fence, electricity travels from the wire through the bear, into the earth, to the grounding rod, and then back to the energizer, completing the circuit. The bear will quickly learn to leave the fence and whatever is inside it alone. Energizers powered through an electrical outlet (AC) are the most dependable and powerful, but solar energizers and 12-volt battery-powered energizers are also reliable, especially for portable or remote systems. The energizer should output at least 6,000 volts, with output joules of at least 0.5. Depending on your location and soil type, a lower joule rating may work.
The ideal fence height is between 60" and 72", with 9 to 11 wires. This design is the most effective at deterring bears, while still allowing deer and elk to safely pass underneath. The wires should be spaced 8 to 10 inches apart, with narrower spacing being better. Metal T-posts are the most popular, but wood, plastic, or fibreglass posts can also be used. Attach plastic insulators to the posts to keep the wires from touching them and grounding out the system. For dry soils, lay a flat 3-foot-wide strip of chicken wire or hog panel (grounding apron) in front of the fence. Make sure the grounding apron is not attached to the fence.
It is important to conduct ongoing maintenance to ensure the fence is working at all times. Walk around the fence every few days to identify any potential problems.
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'Unwelcome mats' with nails
Unwelcome mats with nails, also known as bear boards, are an effective way to deter bears from approaching or lingering in your area. This method is particularly useful in securing attractants long-term, such as food and trash. Here are some important considerations and instructions for creating and using unwelcome mats with nails:
Firstly, it is crucial to understand that these mats are not intended to maim or severely harm bears. The nails should protrude just enough to cause minor discomfort to the bear's paws, encouraging them to retreat and seek food elsewhere. For black bears, guidelines from Colorado recommends nails protruding 3/4" to 1" from the board. This typically involves using plywood boards that are 1/2" thick and nails that are 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" long. Unfortunately, larger bears, such as grizzly and polar bears, may require longer nails, sometimes up to 4" in length.
When constructing the unwelcome mat, use plywood boards as the base. Ensure that the nails are securely fastened and spaced evenly across the board. Keep in mind that these mats are not suitable for areas with high foot traffic, especially if children or pets are around, as the exposed nails pose a safety risk. Always prioritize the safety of your family and other visitors to the area.
It is also important to note that while unwelcome mats can be effective, they are just one part of a comprehensive bear deterrence strategy. Bears are intelligent creatures, and if they are particularly motivated by the attractant, they may find ways to circumvent the mats or target unsecured areas. Therefore, it is crucial to combine the use of unwelcome mats with other measures, such as properly securing your food and trash, using bear-proof storage lockers or canisters, and employing scare devices like radios that mimic human presence.
Additionally, remember that the placement of these mats is essential. Position them strategically to protect areas that bears may target, such as doors and windows, or areas where food is stored or consumed. Always ensure that there is a clear and safe escape route for the bear, free from obstacles and human presence, to avoid provoking a trapped or cornered animal.
Lastly, while these mats can be an effective deterrent, they should be used as a last resort. The first step in deterring bears should always be to remove and secure attractants. By eliminating the incentive, you reduce the likelihood of bear encounters. Additionally, always follow local guidelines and regulations regarding bear deterrence methods, as they may vary depending on your location and the type of bear population in the area.
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Natural bear spray
Bear spray is an effective way to deter a charging or aggressive bear. It is a lot like pepper spray, which humans use to defend themselves against other humans. The main difference is that bear spray can shoot farther and cover a wider area. The three main ingredients in bear spray are oleoresin capsicum (OC), a base fluid, and an aerosol propellant. OC is the oily residue from hot cayenne peppers and causes a burning sensation when sprayed in the face. The base fluid, typically oil-based, is mixed with OC to dilute it. Finally, the aerosol propellant ejects the ingredients from the can.
Bear spray is safe, easy to use, and studies show that it is the best defence against an attacking bear—even better than a gun. A ten-year analysis in the 1990s found that people who used firearms for defence were injured 50% of the time, while those with bear spray evaded injury most of the time. A 2008 study also found that bear spray was 92% effective in deterring attacks from the three species of North American bear in Alaska.
Bear spray is typically carried in a holster on a person's hip or chest. It is important to note that bear spray is a deterrent, not a repellent, so you should not pre-spray objects as this can attract bears and other wildlife.
If you are looking for other methods to deter bears, you could try using scare devices. These are audible or visual deterrents that can make bears think someone is in the area. For example, you could use a radio to mimic human presence. However, scare devices are best used as short-term solutions while you work on finding a long-term fix, such as electric fencing or unwelcome mats.
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Noisemakers
There are a variety of noisemakers that can be used as bear deterrents, each with its own advantages and considerations:
Radios: Radios can be left on to create background noise, simulating the presence of humans and discouraging bears from approaching. This method is particularly useful for areas where constant supervision is not feasible, such as chicken coops, outbuildings, or fruit trees. However, it is important to use radios as a temporary solution while working towards securing or removing attractants in the long term.
Motion- or infrared-activated scare devices: These devices produce loud noises when triggered by motion or infrared sensors. While they can be effective in scaring away bears, they may not be suitable for crowded neighbourhoods or areas with frequent foot traffic. Additionally, it is important to consider that these devices can be activated by passing animals or people, which may cause inconvenience or disturb the peace.
Air horns or wildlife deterrent horns: Air horns emit a loud, piercing sound that can startle and deter bears. They are portable and do not rely on electricity, making them suitable for outdoor use. When using an air horn, ensure you have a safe escape route and that the bear has a clear path away from busy roads and populated areas.
Banging on pots and pans: This method creates a loud, abrupt noise that can startle a bear. It is a simple and accessible technique that does not require any specialised equipment. However, it is important to maintain a safe distance from the bear and combine this method with yelling to reinforce the association with human presence.
When using noisemakers as bear deterrents, it is crucial to remember that they are most effective when combined with other bear avoidance strategies, such as removing attractants and securing your property. Additionally, always prioritise your safety by maintaining a safe distance from the bear and ensuring there is a clear escape route for both you and the bear.
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Removing attractants
The first step to deterring bears is to remove and secure attractants. Bears are attracted to human-inhabited areas because of the presence of food. To prevent bears from approaching your property, it is important to take the necessary steps to remove any potential food sources that might attract them. Here are some ways to do this:
Secure Your Garbage
Bears are attracted to garbage cans and dumpsters due to the presence of food waste. To prevent bears from accessing your garbage, use bear-resistant trash cans and dumpsters with tight-fitting lids that cannot be easily opened by animals. Ensure that your garbage is regularly collected and disposed of properly, and avoid leaving trash bags outside overnight or for extended periods.
Store Food Properly
Bears have a strong sense of smell and can detect food from a distance. Store all food items, including pet food, in airtight containers inside your home or a secure shed. Clean outdoor grills and cooking areas thoroughly after each use, and avoid leaving any food scraps or grease behind. Do not leave dirty dishes unattended, and wipe down counters and tables to remove any food residue.
Maintain Your Garden
Bears may be attracted to your garden or landscaping if it provides a source of food, such as fruit trees, berry bushes, or vegetable gardens. Keep your garden well-maintained and harvest fruits and vegetables as soon as they are ripe. Consider using fences or netting to protect your plants, and avoid using bird feeders or other wildlife feeders that may attract bears.
Clean Up After Outdoor Activities
If you enjoy outdoor activities like camping or picnicking, be sure to clean up thoroughly afterward. Do not leave any food scraps, wrappers, or containers behind. Use bear-proof containers to store food while camping, and hang food bags or containers from a tree branch or pole, well off the ground and away from your campsite.
Be Mindful of Wildlife
Bears may be attracted to areas with a high presence of wildlife, such as bird feeders, beehives, or pet food left outdoors. Keep these areas clean and secure, and consider using bear-resistant feeders or enclosures. Remember that even if one bear is relocated or removed, another bear may take its place if attractants are not properly secured.
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Frequently asked questions
A bear nail deterrent, also known as a bear board or an "unwelcome mat", is a plywood board with nails sticking out of it. The nails are long enough to hurt a bear's feet, causing them to retreat and look for food elsewhere.
To make a bear nail deterrent, use a sheet of plywood that is 1/2" to 3/4" thick. Cut the plywood into a board that is 1/2" thick and 4" wide. Use nails that are 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" long for black bears, and longer nails for larger bears. Place the nails through the plywood so that 3/4" to 1" of the nail protrudes from the board. Screw the board down onto the floor or deck in several places to prevent bears from moving it.
Yes, there are other bear deterrents that can be used instead of or in addition to bear nail deterrents. These include bear spray, noisemakers, electric fencing, and scare devices.
