Chistina Bautista from the Portland Press, points us to a common summer problem in many rural backyards – Bears.
Bear sightings in back yards tend to increase in the summer because bears are fresh from their long hibernation and are looking to fill their tummys with something yummy. They love to eat lush berries that are commonly found along roadsides, clearcuts, powerline right of ways, and wouldn’t you know it, backyards. They are also attracted by the succulant smell of garbage. So make sure you pack it away in bins or sealed containers to help prevent a bear from getting into it. If he really wants to, a bear will manage to somehow get into the bin or container. I’ve personally seen this happen in upstate New York. Although they may seem aggresive bears are quite passive and really just curious most of the time. I love bears!
A little known fact about a bears favorite backyard food: Bird Seeds That’s right folks, bird seeds. For all you bird watchers out there that wonder how come your seeds keep disapearing from your bird feeders, now you know. They love the sweet smell of anise that many seeds are coated with. It’s really amazing to watch a bear get excited about a bird feeder.
A fellow real estate blogger, Larry Cragun, has posted these fabulous pics of a hungry bear in action on his blog.
So if you want to bear proof your property, make sure you:
1. Pick all your berries before the bears do
2. Pack away your garbage in a sealed enclosure
3. Stop feeding the birds
Should anyone else have any other tips, please leave a comment.
