Garbage should be stored where bears can neither smell nor gain access to it, either in a bear-proof container or inside a building. Put out the garbage only on the day of pick up. Leaving smelly trash out overnight will give bears time to find it and get into it—this acts as a food reward to the bears and encourages them to continue to visit. Take precautions to reduce odors by using plastic bag liners. You can also spray your garbage cans with disinfectant after each use.

Thoroughly wash or store any outdoor items, such as barbeque grills, portable smokers, ice chests, and coolers. Beverage cans and bottles are also attractants.

Fruit trees attract bears, especially when wild foods are scarce. Pick all ripe fruit from trees and the ground as soon as possible. Do not leave fruit on trees through the fall. Electric fencing is the most effective way to keep bears out of orchards. These fences need to yield at least 3,000 volts.

Vegetable gardens and compost piles also act as an attractant to bears. The smell from the compost pile and the food reward from both will keep bears coming back to visit. It is in your best interest not to have either, as they will encourage the bears to come down and investigate. However, a vegetable garden can be protected by an electric fence. This fence, again, needs to yield at least 3,000 volts to be effective.

Bears love honey and seek bee larvae in beehives. You can protect the hives with electric fencing or by elevating the hives on platforms 15-20′ above the ground. These can be supported by metal poles that bears can't climb. Beehives should be located 50 yards from forests or other sources of cover for bears.

Birdseed, suet, and sugar in hummingbird feeders attract bears. If bears are in the area PLEASE take down any birdfeeders immediately. If you want feeders, hang them as high as possible, but do keep in mind that bears are excellent climbers. Store any birdseed inside. It may also be a good idea to bring feeders inside at night. Use suet only during winter months.