Free: Contests & Raffles.
SUPPLEMENTAL BEAR FEEDINGPROGRAMA common concern among ADCP members isthe need for a socially acceptable means to preventbear damage to forest resources. Historically, lethalremoval was commonly used to eliminate bearsthat damaged timber. Professional agents werehired to identify and remove problem animals. TheADCP began investigating non-lethal approachesduring the early 1980s. Providing bears with an alternativefood source appeared feasible and a supplementalfeeding program utilizing 10 feeders wasimplemented during the spring of 1985.The supplemental feeding program provedto be an effective tool to reduce bear damage totimber. Within the first year, damage on timberstands that had been extensive in previous yearswas reduced to an acceptable level. Interest andparticipation in the program has increaseddramatically over the past 10 years (Table 1).Participants in the supplemental feeding programplaced over 400,000 pounds of pellets this past yearin 700 feeding stations established across westernWashington and Oregon.Supplemental feed is provided only in thespring and early summer when bears are foragingon trees. Feeding stations are installed in sites, asclose as possible, to current or anticipated damage.Preferred sites are close to roads to facilitatestocking feeders with pellets, but hidden frompublic view to avoid poaching and away from highpublic use areas to avoid bear-human conflicts.The supplemental pellets are produced bythe Washington Forest Protection Association.Sugars are considered the most importantingredients to alleviate damage to trees. Pellets alsocontain fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals toprovide a balanced diet for bears. A low moisturecontent (<10%) enhances bear acceptance andincreases the viable shelf life of pellets. Individualpellets resemble a greyish colored dry dog food andare 0.25 inches in diameter and about 0.5 incheslong.Bear feeders are securely fastened to treesapproximately 10 inches off the ground to avoidwater and rodent problems. Bait (e.g., beavercarcass) may be used to initially attract bears tostations, but is not necessary once bears beginfeeding. Each station holds approximately 200pounds of pellets and active stations need to berestocked once a week. Wet or powdery feed isremoved before a station is restocked with newpellets. At the end of the damage season all feedingstations are removed from the forests.Self-feeders are constructed from 55 gallondrums (Figure 2). Bears can obtain pellets from anopening cut in the lower front portion of the barrel.The feeding plate is separated from the storagecompartment by a metal sheet inserted diagonallywithin the barrel. Pellets taken from the feeding plateare automatically replaced as pellets fall through anarrow gap beneath the metal sheet. This self-feedingmechanism permits a continuous supply of pellets, butprohibits bears from spilling or playing with the food.A heavy roof insulated with foam keeps the pellets dryand limits bears to feeding from the front entrance.
Green Diamond (Simpson) Timber Co., Weyerhouser, and Raynior all do this feeding. I have come across many of them. Sometimes if you contact the company they will give you locations and access to the areas in Aug. They will feed right up until season opens and then pull the feeders, bear still wander in looking for the food.
Quote from: matlockmike on April 14, 2009, 11:20:33 AMGreen Diamond (Simpson) Timber Co., Weyerhouser, and Raynior all do this feeding. I have come across many of them. Sometimes if you contact the company they will give you locations and access to the areas in Aug. They will feed right up until season opens and then pull the feeders, bear still wander in looking for the food. if you rattle a chain against a garbage can lid they will come
