composting vs. bears

[Betho]

SO here's the deal. This property that we might be getting is up in the mountains... the realtor said they'd had problems with a bear. No bigge, we'll have dogs and whatnot. And by the time we even get out there the bear probably won't be around but I was just thinking... I'd planned on composting stuff, leftovers from butchering, etc. Would that be a bear attractant? also, it came to mind how bears will hunt thru rotten logs for grubs. I planned on also doing vermicomposting in outdoor windrows. Would this just be a feast for bears? Or am I being overly paranoid lol

[tamsam]

If you like bear meat you are making a buffet they can not walk away from. Beas are scavangers and will be attracted to any types of food. I don't know what kind of bear you mean, but I was referring to black bear. Grissly will destory a car to get food from inside it if left unattented. Good luck with the bear. Sam

[Betho]

ok... glad I posted this! We'll have plenty of room (20 acres) to put the compost pile far away from the house. The bear in question is a black bear, and like I said he'll probably be gone when we get there but that doesn't mean more won't come around!

So should I maybe have my worms in bins indoors, like in an outbuilding? And then the other composty stuff in a heap well away from the house?

[moonwolf]

Originally Posted by Betho

So should I maybe have my worms in bins indoors, like in an outbuilding? And then the other composty stuff in a heap well away from the house?

yes. that sounds like a good plan. worms in bins indoors. compost heap away from the house, but not terribly far away. Mine is within 50 ft. of the house and never had bear problems, but there is also human activity, the driveway and it's open around it. Bear don't like that.
The only hints I have, because I llve in active black bear country, is keep your compost bin from smelling. Keep a pile of black earth or topsoil nearby. If you add fresh stuff to the pile cover over with a light layer of the dirt to keep smells down. Take dogs near your compost bin so they learn to pee near it. That pee helps mark territory that helps to keep bears away. Pee there yourself. Bears are attracted more to your barbeque deck cooking, smokehouse, and such activities outside. Keep that type of odor away so they are less attracted.

[Betho]

Originally Posted by moonwolf

Take dogs near your compost bin so they learn to pee near it. That pee helps mark territory that helps to keep bears away. Pee there yourself.

oh how brilliant! I'm sure my husband would love to oblige lol

[Silvercreek Farmer]

If there is indeed a bear, left unprotected, your compost materials will probably be eaten, only to be redistributed all over your property in the form of scat. I second the recommendation to make bear steaks. If this is not an option, and depending on the amount of compost you think you will have, I would recommend some sort of bear proof container, perhaps a heavy steel drum or tank. Good luck.

[Bernadette]

We had bears at our place a couple of years ago. The officials that came and trapped and took them away (to become someone else's problem of course) had a few very simple statements about the habits of black bears.

They are lazy eaters. They would rather not hunt or work for their food. Smell is what attracts them, so keep the odour down. Have a pile of earth near your compost, and every time you add your scraps, cover the material over with dirt to contain the smell.

Bury any dead livestock.

Moth balls confuse them.

Once a bear has had a good meal at one location, it will come back. Over and over - just checking - because it remembers it had a good meal there once.

The trick is not to attract them.

If you 'clean up' the ones that already frequent the property, and then take steps to not attract any more, with the dogs around, etc. You shouldn't have any problems.

P.S. There is no 100% guarantee that all the bears in all locations have received this memo, so the odd one may not follow the rules. Again, apply the stew pot/rug solution.

Hope this helps.

[e.alleg]

Keeping a dog around usually keeps the bears away. Black bears are timid for the most part but when they wake up hungry they will get brave. I think that if the compost pile is near the house with a large opening between the woods and the heap you should be OK, they don't like to wander too far into unprotected areas.

[Rocky Fields]

Hey.

Bait for bear hunting is buried in Wisconsin and they still find it and dig it up. Bears have a powerful sense of smell. They love sweetrolls! I have pictures of bears eating grass, so Bruno may pay you a visit.