Preventing Losses to Bears

Monitor your cattle herds, sheep flocks and bee hives carefully each fall. In some years, poor growing conditions and yearly cycles can cause low wild berry and apple yields. These are normal foods for bears during the fall period.

There have been instances where cattle have been killed by bears in the unorganized townships on Manitoulin Island. Both were young calves in the 90-120 pound range. While the "Bear Damage to Livestock Compensation Program" can help reimburse losses for a farm animal killed by a bear , it is more economical to prevent kills.

According to Ian Anderson, Ministry of Natural Resources, bears are shy animals and don't usually kill prey in the open. If kills are made in the open, the bear drags the prey into a covered area to feed. Bears usually feed until early November when they enter hibernation.

To reduce the chances of bears killing your cattle or sheep, keep the herd away from known bear habitat. If bears are seen in an area keep your livestock in open fields close to human activity. If your beef cow herd calves in the fall, increase human activity around the young calves or move them closer to home.

Electric fences can keep bears away from cattle and beehives, bears don't like shocks any better than cattle. Be sure to check your ground to ensure a good current through the fence. 7,200 volts in low fences (6" - 18" high) has worked to keep bears out of beehives. Two to three strands of wire works better than one.

If you do lose livestock to bears, be sure to contact the local office of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

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