Nuisance Bear

[J.Brower]

Hey guys, looking for possibly some advise on a problem that a family friend is having with a black bear. She lives out off of highway 2 in the gold bar-skykomish area. This bear has been coming by every couple of nights causing a ruckus, making a mess and trying to get into her house. She has called fish and game in the past, with the response being a threat to write her a ticket for feeding the bear. She lives in a small "neighborhood" of mainly summer/vacation lots with a few full time residents. She lives alone with her mentally handicap son and fears for her safety every time she goes outside. I have zero problem removing the bear, but it is only coming around at night, between 10pm-2am. With fish and game not wanting to do anything about it other than brush it under the rug, what are your guys' suggestions on options to get this taken care of? There isn't much for public land close by to find him in during the day, and it seems he has a fairly regular schedule. With only a week and a half left in the season, that doesn't leave much time for planning. Bear spray and air horns do nothing to phase him, as he knows he is safe in the area. Any input??

[bigtex]

If the bear keeps coming back, it's coming back for a reason. I agree with WDFW, remove the reason (I assume food source) and it won't keep coming back.

[Blacktail Sniper]

Why was it mentioned by WDFW about issuing a citation for feeding it?

Is there something, food source-wise that is drawing it back, like garbage cans, pet food, is she feeding it or deer...?   Seems there has to be something that is drawing it back on a regular basis. 

Maybe find someone with some dogs that could be used to scare if off? 

[jackelope]

If there is food/garbage/attractants around that are drawing the bear in, WDFW won't do anything. Eliminate that first and then get back to WDFW and see what they say. They're pretty good about problem bears.

[Mark Brenckle]

She could pick up a portable electric fence for less than $100. Put it up around her yard and plug it in at night.

[Ridgeratt]

Bear is open until the 15 of this month. If it's a summer community why not have somebody gas it?   

[J.Brower]

The electric fence is no good with her son there, she had thought of that one. It seems the bear has a "routine" and makes stops as it goes to check for food or whatnot. It isn't just her place he causes trouble, it is all over the neighborhood. I get the "get rid of food source, get rid of bear" theory, that is a tough angle with there being other residences around that would not put in the effort to resolve the issue.

[runamuk]

If there is food/garbage/attractants around that are drawing the bear in, WDFW won't do anything. Eliminate that first and then get back to WDFW and see what they say. They're pretty good about problem bears.

Yep this. I had a young bear hanging at work for a few weeks we made sure there was no food for him. Other than natural stuff blackberries and an apple tree.  We made lots if noise and made attempts,to scare the little turd.  Once he ran out of food he did move on and did not become my new bathmat  my local game guy preferred to give the little critter a shot at figuring g out how to bear before shooting  him.  But that was on the table if the critter got dumb.

So I know they will work with you once you have done your part.

[Blacktail Sniper]

 

And maybe a conversation with the neighbors who are reluctant to help clear the source problem, mentioning the part about possible citations if they aren't caring enough to help out just because of the safty issue...

[trophyhunt]

We have the same problem, fish and game put a trap on our property for one week.  We never caught the bear, that was last year, well he’s back.  Got into my garbage Sunday night, made a big mess.  He’s dead if I ever see him during the daylight hours. 

[follow maggie]

The bear isn't coming by regularly for kicks & grins. Find what he's after & do your best to get rid of it. If it's on a neighbor's property, give their info to the game warden & they'll get the ticket.

[ghosthunter]

I got to believe if a enough noise is made wdfw will take care of it.

Maybe suggest a call to Komo tv about the problem will move the Dept along.

[J.Brower]

He seems to have moved on this last week, which is what I told her would most likely happen, best for all that way anyway.

[Blacktail Sniper]

If the food source/supply doesn't change, he will be back in the spring....

[Calvin Rayborn]

Prolly cat food