Bears & Bird Feeders: A November Reminder

Black Bear at a birdfeeder. Photo by Idaho Fish and Game.

November is that time of year when bears are in full “snack panic mode.” They’re packing on last-minute calories before winter, and your bird feeder? Basically, a bear-sized granola bar hanging from a hook!

If you’re in bear country, please be aware: these overstuffed creatures have an excellent sense of smell and zero sense of boundaries. Natural foods are getting scarce, so they’re wandering around on a last-minute “winter grocery dash,” sniffing out anything with calories - including the seed buffet we set out for the birds.

We all love watching the birds at our feeders, but we do not need a 300-pound surprise guest rearranging the backyard furniture. Putting a break on bird feeding during this time or at least bringing feeders inside at night are ways to avoid attracting these disruptive guests. Keep an eye out, give bears plenty of space, and let them do their bear business - wild and uninterrupted.

Article by Carol Markham, Conservationist