Help me prioritize bear-proofing my goats

[perplexed]

I've had my goats a month and the local bears are out and about. I live low on the mountain and rarely get a bear but as the population grows, they move outward.

While I eventually want to have it all, super secure shed, pen, electric fencing, etc. I need to start somwhere.

Right now the shed does not have a door on it. I was thinking that maybe that should be the first thing I do since I can do it quickly and it will keep them safe at night. We're home in the day.

We are not on the grid right now so ordering an electric fence will take some time to get here. I want to put bells all over the fence to help alert me and to scare the bear away possibly. The pen is super clean but I'm sure just the smell of goats/chickens will attract a bear. I also have a lot of extra fencing and was thinking about having a double fence a few feet away from the pen fence which is 6 feet high.

ANy other suggestions? Please take into considderation that we do not have electricity here and it will take time to get a solar powered fence in the mail. Also, do you have any recommendations for a good solar fence that is capable of keeping a bear out? Thanks!

[mpete]

I have had more problem with cougars than any other predator here (excluding neighbors pets running loose). I think the bells idea is a good one, also, my dad once tried a fishing line fence around his hen house. For some reason, it stopped the foxes or whatever was eating them. They do have solar powered fences for horses, that should work for you.

[Bearfootfarm]

ANy other suggestions

Get a BIG dog

[mpete]

Oh, I do like that idea!!!

[fishhead]

What about a battery powered radio in the barn while you wait for the solar charger?

I'd hang some freshly worn clothes at the doorway too.

[ozark_jewels]

Originally Posted by Bearfootfarm

Get a BIG dog

Get at least TWO big dogs. LGDs are wonderful and work at their best with at least two who work as a team.

[SunKissedAcres]

Ok, I HAVE to ask what a LGD is??? LarGe Dog???

[huck]

Livestock Guardian Dog.

Huck

[SunKissedAcres]

Aaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!

[mtn.mama]

Well, not to spoil your fun in bear proofing, but we live in serious bear country and have NEVER had a goat related incident in the 13 years I've been on the mountain... nor has my husband in 32 years of goat raising in the Alaska bush where bears are a dime a dozen. The goats totally free range, no door on their shed, no fences to keep them in or bears out. Just my two cents. When my goats smell or see a bear, they just stand still and quiver. No running, no bellering, no nothing. I don't worry about bear:goat interactions at all.

[mtn.mama]

Came back to add that I take my milking does camping with my husband while he is guiding brown/grizzly/black bear hunting trips, so we've had alot of bear experience- just no trouble when it comes to goats. The only time I've gotten nervous about it was when my goat had to be tied out of sight for awhile while I dealt with my infant, and the goat was crying out. Then I worried she might call a bear right to the tent.