State Agency Warns of Increased Bear Activity

Residents may have noticed signs of seasonal changes, including an increase in bear activity. “Every fall there is an uptick in bear-related calls because this is the time of year that bears prepare for hibernation by going into hyperphagia,” explained Annemarie Prince, district wildlife biologist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). “They are hungry all the time, and the search for calories is a life-or-death matter for them.” Hyperphagia begins in late August and lasts through early-November, according to WDFW. Prince said hibernation generally takes place after hyperphagia, between November to as late as May. Adult male bears typically emerge first and mother bears last. Prior to hibernation, local bears may stay around the den, but if there is food available, they come out of the den, according to Prince.

“Another reason for the increase in bears in Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille counties is the huck leberry crop wasn’t great this year,” Prince said, adding, “Huckleberries are a food source that bears rely on. Bears are hungrier because of this, and they will wander around looking for food.” Bears will wander the woods looking for food with no exact destination in mind, she said. In rural areas especially, bears will look for food in residential areas that have unsecured garbage or food sources. Prince said, “Bears will localize in residential areas due to the calorie rewards. They are highly intelligent and will return to food sources that continue to pay out. We encourage residents to call the WDFW the first time a bear comes to a property searching for food. If residents do not remove food sources, then bears may return.” She added, “We live in an awesome rural place. We don’t want to entice bears to stay around. Secure the ‘smellies.’ This includes garbage, fruit trees, chicken and livestock feed, dog and cat food, outdoor freezers, barbecue grills, and smokers. Garages and sheds with closed doors are good places for storage.”

Prince said there are other steps people can take to discourage bear activity. “We encourage electric fencing for chicken coops and fruit trees. There are some available programs that partially reimburse for electric fencing. Bring dog and cat food in at night. Regarding fruit trees, pick your fruit, don’t just leave them. If you are not tending to your fruit trees, then cut them down.” She continued, “Keep garbage in your shed or garage. Bungee cords do not keep bears out of trash cans. There are some bear proof trash cans, but they can be hard to find and pricey. Or keep your garbage enclosed by an electric fence. Do not put your trash to the curb until the morning of pickup.” Residents should call the WDFW immediately if there is a bear issue, according to Prince. The WDFW will also come out to a residence and help to “bear safe” the property. They will do this free of charge. Prince said residents should avoid confrontation if they encounter a bear.

“There are several things you can do if there is a bear encounter on a residential property. If you step out and see a bear, go back inside. You can make loud noises, such as banging pots, using a car horn, or using an air horn. This usually works. If the bear won’t leave, call. “If you are outside, then your response to a bear should depend on what the bear is doing. Most bear encounters are surprise encounters. Never run away from a bear, and never approach or close the distance on a bear. If the bear leaves, then slowly go in the opposite direction. If the bear seems agitated – huffs, clicks jaws – or stays, then make your presence known by speaking to it in a calm tone of voice.” She emphasized, “Get out your bear spray. The spray has an approximate distance of 30 feet. If the bear is within that distance and you feel threatened, then use the spray. Tests have shown that wind will spray it back, so think about that. The spray will linger in the air, but if you’re using the spray, then your adrenaline is high, so even if you breathe some spray, you won’t realize it in the moment. “If the bear spray doesn’t work, then the WDFW recommends fighting back if it’s a black bear and lying on your stomach or playing dead if it’s a grizzly bear. We do have grizzlies, especially in the Pend Oreille area.

But the best thing to do to avoid a bear encounter outside is to make noise. Keep your dog on a leash and close to you, so that the dog doesn’t surprise a bear.” For information on bears, call the WDFW at the Spokane regional office at 509-892-1001. If there is an active bear sighting or a bear issue, then call WILDCOMM Dispatch at 360- 902-2936, Option 1. They can also be reached by email at WILDCOMM@ dfw.wa.gov.