On July 13, 2022

State reports more bear encounters

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department says many people continue to have problems with bears looking for food near their homes. Part of the problem could arise from the food scrap ban that recently has gone into effect.

“We have been receiving lots of reports of bears on decks, tearing down bird feeders, wrecking beehives, killing chickens, and getting into trash, compost and garbage containers,” said bear biologist Jaclyn Comeau. “We are offering some guidance on how to compost at home without attracting bears.”

“First though, to deter bears, bird feeders need to be taken down until we have a foot or more of snow in December. Then, make sure anything else that might smell like food is picked up. And keep your trash container secured inside a sturdy building and don’t put it outside until the morning of pickup. Beehives, chicken coops, and compost bins can be protected with electric fencing.”

If you know bears are active in your neighborhood, the best way to avoid attracting them is to take food scraps to one of the drop-off stations. You can locate them by contacting your local solid waste management district or town at 802recycles.com, or ask your trash hauler if they pick up food scraps for composting.

If you are currently having a bear issue, delay starting your new compost pile until the bear issue resolves. Until then, keep food scraps in the freezer or bring them to a collection site.

The public is encouraged to contact their local warden if they are having a bear issue. Composting without attracting wildlife takes careful planning. For more info about living with bears, tips to safely compost or to report bear damage, visit: vtfishandwildlife.com.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Vermont receives $5.3 million in federal grants to expand internet access across the state

November 27, 2024
By Klara Bauters / VTDigger Vermont has been awarded $5.3 million from the federal government to implement its Digital Equity Plan — which outlines how the state will provide individuals and communities with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from meaningful access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service. “Internet and broadband. It’s no longer…

Experts fear Trump environmental policies could undermine Vt’s efforts

November 27, 2024
By Emma Cotton/VTDigger As Donald Trump prepares to return to the presidency, experts worry that his climate and environmental policy goals could destabilize ongoing work in Vermont. The president-elect campaigned on tossing out policies related to climate change and loosening or abandoning environmental regulations. As a small state, Vermont leans on federal funding and regulatory frameworks…

VTSU sees 20% enrollment growth in plumbing, electrical apprenticeship programs

November 27, 2024
As the state kicked off Apprenticeship Week last week, Vermont State University (VTSU) announced that its plumbing and electrical registered apprenticeship programs have grown over 20% in two years. Enrollment for the current academic year is at a record high of over 870 apprentices after multiple years of sustained growth. “Vermont State University is dedicated…

Outdoor recreation organizations implore courts to support public access to trails in Vermont

November 27, 2024
A coalition of outdoor recreation organizations led by the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council (VTGC), issued a statement Nov. 18 urging the Vermont Supreme Court to carefully consider the long-term implications of its upcoming ruling regarding the maintenance of public access trails on private land.  The case, which involves the use of a “legal trail” maintained by the town that crosses…