Outdoor enthusiasts don't see many bears in the winter months. This is because bears go into "hibernation" mode - not a full sleep - but a slow-down in movement. In the fall, they eat up to 90 pounds of food each day in preparation for winter hibernation when their metabolism dramatically slows down. 

Bear hibernation usually ends in March or April; but can come to a close as early as February! This is a problem for home growers that are planting gardens for spring...and equally as big of a problem for beekeepers who want to protect honey beehives.

Bear Management 

To prevent bear damage in gardens, gardeners need to consider bear hibernation and install electric netting as a primary or secondary barrier around a garden or current wildlife fence. Electric fence is the best type of fence to rid bears from gardens. 

Bears will soon be wide awake. Consider bear management strategies now.