In a move to properly mitigate bear disruptions on your property — whether it be chicken coops, vegetable gardens, compost piles, beehives or simply your backyard possessions — the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is recommending residents use electrified wires to deter the curious animals.
According to NCWRC BearWise Coordinator Ashley Hobbs, “electrified wires are the most effective, non-lethal tool to keep people, property and bears safe.” Upon contact with the wires, the bears experience a brief shock, which “causes no permanent harm to the bear.” These measures train the bear to stay away from the protected entities. The wiring is also cost effective and easy to maintain, with the setup lasting “for years without needing replacement.”
“Electrified wire is always working, even when you’re away from home or in the middle of the night when you’re in bed asleep. It’s also cost-effective and easy to maintain,” said Hobbs. “Once installed, an electrified set up lasts for years without needing replacement. Long-term maintenance looks like testing the wire frequently to ensure it’s conducting enough charge and keeping weeds and vegetation away from the wires.”…