Why do bears come onto farms?
Bears are strong, curious and always looking for calories. A bear that finds grain, honey, garbage, pet food or fruit may return again and again. Once a bear connects a property with an easy meal, it is much harder to change that habit.
Seasonal changes matter too. When natural foods are scarce in some years, bears move farther and spend more time near people. Ask your state wildlife agency about conditions in your region.
Bears also have excellent noses, and the smell of cooking, greasy grills and even sweet drinks can travel a long way. Think about what a hungry animal would smell from your back porch.
How do you secure food and trash?
Store garbage in a locked building or in containers made to resist bears, and put it out only on collection day. Keep pet food and livestock feed indoors in a sturdy structure. Clean grills and outdoor cooking areas.
Remove bird feeders when bears are active, since seed draws them in. Pick fruit promptly and clear fallen fruit from orchards.
If you keep chickens, compost or an apiary, treat those as food sources as well. Compost with kitchen scraps and meat can attract bears as easily as a trash can. Ask your extension office which composting habits suit bear country.
- Lock garbage in a building until collection day
- Store feed in a bear resistant space
- Take down bird feeders during active seasons
- Pick up fallen fruit often
How can you protect livestock, bees and poultry?
Poultry coops and beehives are common targets. Electric fencing, when installed and maintained correctly, is widely recommended for protecting apiaries and small livestock. Use it according to the maker's instructions and keep children and visitors informed.
Secure animals at night. Talk with your state wildlife agency or extension office about proven designs in your area, since what works varies.
Keep animals in at night where possible, and check fences and shelters each morning for damage or signs that a bear tested them. Repairing quickly matters because a bear that succeeded once will often try again.
What should you do if you see a bear?
Stay calm. Do not run, and do not approach. Keep dogs leashed and children close. Back away slowly while keeping the bear in view, and give it a clear path to leave.
Behavior advice can differ by species and situation, so learn the guidance from your state wildlife agency before you need it. If a bear is near the house, go inside and call the agency or local authorities.
Remember that a mother bear with cubs may defend them and that cubs may be nearby even when you only see one animal. Leave the area calmly and give them space.
When is a bear an emergency?
Call emergency services if a person is in danger or injured. For a bear that repeatedly returns, damages property or is not afraid of people, contact your wildlife agency right away rather than trying to chase or scare it by yourself.
Never feed a bear, even once, and never leave food as bait. In many places feeding is illegal.
Take any bear that has lost its fear of people seriously. These animals are the ones most often removed by agencies, so securing attractants early is also a kindness to the bear.
What about hiking and working outdoors?
Make noise when working in brush or walking trails so you do not surprise a bear. Work with others when possible, and carry any deterrent your wildlife agency recommends, learning to use it properly.
Keep dogs under control, since a dog running back to you with a bear in pursuit is a common cause of encounters.
Bring your phone, tell someone where you are going, and know how to reach the wildlife agency and emergency services from remote work sites.
Who sets the rules?
Bears are managed by state wildlife agencies, with federal involvement for protected populations. Rules on deterrents, relocation, feeding and killing a bear vary and can carry penalties.
Contact your state wildlife agency for the current rules and for help if a bear is causing repeated problems.
Learn also whether your town or county has an ordinance requiring secure trash. Many places in bear country do, and a violation can carry a fine.
Key takeaways
- Food attractants cause most bear conflicts.
- Lock up garbage, feed, pet food and grills.
- Electric fencing is often used to protect bees and poultry when installed properly.
- Stay calm, back away and never feed a bear.
- Contact your state wildlife agency for rules and repeated problems.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.