How can you protect your property from bears?
New Hampshire Fish and Game officials report that late June and early July marks the peak season for human-bear interactions across the state. Authorities are urging residents to secure trash and remove bird feeders to mitigate the risk of attracting black bears, noting a rise in property damage and conflicts with livestock owners.
Why Human-Bear Interactions Are Increasing
The rise in backyard conflicts is largely attributed to food sources being left accessible to wildlife. According to Dan Bailey of New Hampshire Fish and Game, there is no necessity for bird feeding during the summer months. Leaving feeders out or failing to clean up leftover winter seed encourages bears to frequent residential areas, where they quickly become comfortable foraging for food.
In Auburn, the impact of these interactions is already visible. Resident Corey Canning reported that a bear recently destroyed his bird feeder and remained in his yard to consume the peanuts. This behavior reflects a broader trend of bears habituating to residential food sources, which increases the likelihood of repeat visits.
New Hampshire Fish and Game advises that an electric fence must deliver at least 5,000 volts of electricity to effectively deter a black bear from property or livestock.
Operational Risks for Poultry and Livestock Owners
The increase in bear activity has created significant challenges for animal owners. New Hampshire Fish and Game officials have confirmed an uptick in the number of bears being shot by chicken owners attempting to protect their flocks. This escalation highlights the economic and safety stakes for residents maintaining small-scale livestock operations.
Samantha Carter notes that the shift toward lethal intervention by property owners indicates a failure of passive deterrents. The reliance on electric fencing as a primary defense suggests that as bear populations become more comfortable in suburban environments, the cost of entry for hobby farming may rise due to the necessity of investing in high-voltage security measures.
What May Happen Next
As the peak season for interactions continues through early July, residents in areas like Auburn may see continued bear activity if food attractants remain available. If the trend of property damage and livestock conflict persists, it is likely that state officials will continue to emphasize the installation of electric fencing as the primary mitigation strategy. Failure to remove bird feeders and secure waste could lead to further instances of bears being shot, potentially drawing more attention to the need for stricter residential wildlife management practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I remove my bird feeders in the summer?
According to Dan Bailey of NH Fish and Game, summer bird feeding is unnecessary and inevitably attracts black bears, which then become comfortable searching for food in residential backyards.
What is the most effective way to protect my chickens from bears?
NH Fish and Game suggests that properly installed electric fencing is a highly effective barrier, provided it delivers at least 5,000 volts of electricity.
Why are more bears being shot in New Hampshire recently?
New Hampshire Fish and Game indicates that there has been an increase in the number of bears shot by chicken owners who are attempting to protect their poultry from bears drawn to their properties.
Are you currently taking steps to secure your property against wildlife activity this summer?