BLACK BEARS
(Ursus americanus)
Scott E. Hygnstrom
Extension Wildlife Damage Specialist
School of Natural Resources
US Fish and Wildlife Service
University of Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming 82071
Additional Bear Control Control Information
Damage Prevention and Control Methods
Exclusion
Use heavy woven-wire or electric fences to exclude bears from apiaries,
cabins, landfills, and other high-value properties.
Store food in bear-proof structures or containers, or on elevated platforms.
Cultural Methods
Use proper sanitation and solid-waste management techniques.
Remove brush and cover around farmsteads, corrals, and residences.
Confine livestock and remove carcasses.
Locate camp sites and hiking trails in areas of low bear activity.
Frightening
Install night lights and human effigies.
Blaring music, pyrotechnics, and guarding dogs may provide temporary
relief from damage.
Repellents
Capsaisin spray.
Toxicants
None are registered.
Fumigants
None are registered.
Trapping
Culvert and barrel live traps.
Foot snares.
Shooting
Baiting and preditor calling--bears lured within range can be shot with firearms of .30 caliber or larger.
Tracking with dogs.
Avoiding Human-Bear Conflicts
Be familiar with several safety precautions when camping or travelling in
bear country. In general, never feed black bears and avoid close encounters
with them.
Editors
Scott E. Hygnstrom;
Robert M. Timm; Gary E. Larson
PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF WILDLIFE DAMAGE 1994
Cooperative Extension Division Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Nebraska -Lincoln
United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Animal Damage Control
Great Plains Agricultural Council Wildlife Committee