Bears
Facts: The black bear is the smallest of the 3 species in the US (Grizzly aka Brown and Polar being the other 2). They are known to be in 40 states and adapt incredibly well to urban enviornments. While they are considered solitary, cubs will loosely stay close to the mother for up to 3 years. Most encounters occur in last summer/early fall when they are preparing to go into a semi hybernation (they are not true hybernators) by consuming close to 20,000 calories.
Problem:
Bears in the garbage: Bears are very strong and most commerical containers are broken into by bears looking for a free meal. Do not store garbage outside and wait to put it to the curb as late as possible. Never place cooking grease in the trash as this will attract bears fast. Once bears are no longer able to raid the garbage can, they will generally move on. Bear Smart has bear proof garbage containers here.
Bears in the bird feeder: As a general rule, do not put feeders out from April to November. If you do, it is best to use only sunflower seed hearts or millet free mix. There is less waste with these mixes and it less likey to draw bears looking to clean up. Place the feeder at least 11 feet off the ground and wrap the first 5-6 feet of the pole in metal flashing to prevent the bear from climbing the pole. Bear resistant feeders are also commercially made and can be found at Bear Smart as well.
Bear seen in area: It is best to stay away from the bear and go indoors. If for some reason you can not get in a safe place: Face the bear and scream , yell and wave your arms above your head to make yourself look bigger. Slowly back away to safety while doing this and do not run or move quickly. A bear can quickly outrun you and quick and sudden movements can trigger a bear to charge or think you are prey. Once the bear is clear of the area, check to ensure there is nothing to make it want to come back (garbage, scattered bird seed, etc)
Fear of suspected aggressive bear in area: Much of the same information above applies. Bears rarely attack humans and when most do it is in defence of cubs. If you feel there is an agressive bear in your area and you must go out, carry commercial bear spray (generally a very strong version of pepper spray) and know how to use it.
Bear bite/attack: If you are approached by a bear and you have bear spray, use it. This is generally enough to deter a physical contact. Then use the escape technique as described above. If a bear does make physical contact, fight back with as much enegry as you can. Do not play dead as that technique is a common misconception. Go for the senisitive areas such as the nose and eyes. Don't be afraid to punch and kick as it might save your life. If someone or a pet is bitten, seek medical attention right away as well as calling Animal Control or Law Enforcement.
Bears in pet food: If possible, feed pets indoors or in an enclosed space such as a garage or shed. Do not free feed (leave food out during the day) but instead feed at a certain time and then remove the food. Pets will adjust to this quite quickly . Store bulk pet food indoors or in bear resistant containers.
Bears raiding the compost bin/pit: If possible use a bear resistant container. At a minimum turn your compost daily and treat with lime/grass when visable moisture is seen. This will reduce odors as well as speed up the process. Never compost dairy, meat scraps, bones, fish, oil or grease as this is a sure fire way to get bears.
Bears raiding fruit trees/bushes: If possible plant fruit bearing trees/bushes away from common human areas (patio, pathes, near the house, etc). If possible fence in fruiting plants with electric fencing at least 2 feet high. You can "train" the bears to it by placing cooking foil coated in peanut butter or honey on the top wire. In short time the bear will associate that area with a shock to the nose/tongue and avoid it. Bears generally are trained in a week or 2. Check the fence daily to enusre it is still conductive and not broken. If electric fencing is not feasible, pick fruit just before ripe and clean up fallen fruit daily.
Bears raiding the chicken coop: When buying or building a coop, esnure it is made of at least 14 guage wire and is solid wood. Padlock doors at night. Placing a run of electric fence a few inches outside of the runs will also help. Guardian animals (donkeys or dogs) can also run off bears.
Bears raiding the beehive: Bears love honey as it is high in calories, tastes good and is an easy meal. The best way is to place electrice fence on the perimeter (1-2 feet away) of the hive boxes. See entry on fruit trees/bushes.