Bears Are Awake and Hungry in Maine and NH – Tips to Keep Them Off Your Property

Spring is here, and you know what that means—bears are rolling out of their dens like college kids waking up after a rough night. Except instead of looking for coffee and Advil, they’re on the hunt for food. And if you’re not careful, your backyard might be their first stop.

These pics were taken by residents from a home in North Conway, NH, last spring. It proves that not only will they come on your property, they are not against walking right up to your deck.

Maine.gov provides a list of safety measures to help keep bears from turning your property into a snack bar.

1. Ditch the Bird Feeders – Yes, the birds are cute, but those feeders are basically a neon “FREE FOOD” sign for bears. If you must feed the birds, at least keep them out of reach.

2. Lock Up Your Trash – This is the big one. Garbage cans are bear magnets. Use bear-resistant containers or store your trash inside until pickup day.

3. Grill Cleanliness is Key – Leftover grease and food scraps on your grill can attract bears from miles away. Give it a good scrub after every use unless you want a 400-pound guest at your next cookout.

4. Pet Food Stays Indoors – Don’t leave pet food outside unless you’re cool with a bear sharing dinner with Fido.

A few other precautions that you can take include secuting compost and beehives. Sweet smells = bear invitation. If you compost, use a bear-proof bin, and if you keep bees, you may want to consider an electric fence.

If a bear does wander onto your property, don’t panic. According to Maine.gov, motion-activated lights or even a well-placed air horn can make a bear think twice about sticking around. General loud noises, like shouting or banging pots and pans together, can help drive them away. Just be sure to do it from a safe distance, of course