Agricultural Areas

By keeping well mown “buffer zones” around beehives, crops, and livestock holding areas, farmers can reduce natural cover for bears. Without cover, bears are typically discouraged from approaching a farm. When this is not feasible, electric fencing, even used temporarily, can be highly effective. The use of guarding animals to protect livestock from predators is gaining in popularity around the country and has proven highly effective. For protection of livestock against black bears in particular, guard dogs appear to be most effective.