Home Safety Basics

Feeding bears or leaving out food scents encourages them to seek out humans and homes. Bears may defend themselves if you get too close, putting both your safety and theirs at risk.

Food and odors attract bears, so avoid leaving out accessible food, liquids, or garbage.

Birdseed and grains are high in calories and very appealing to bears. The best way to prevent conflicts is to remove feeders.

Clean grills after each use, ensuring all grease, fat, and food particles are removed. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area to keep bears out.

Feed pets indoors whenever possible. If feeding outside, remove food and bowls afterward. Store pet food where bears cannot see or smell it.

If you see bears or signs of bear activity, notify your neighbors and share conflict-avoidance tips. As bears adapt to living near us, we must adapt to living near them.