Before Buying a Cabin, Know How To Keep Bears Away

Simplifying life by moving to a cabin in the woods is a dream for many people. But the woods are home to many kinds of wildlife, including bears. Before buying a cabin, know how to keep bears away. 

Don’t Attract Bears in the First Place

The first step toward bear-proofing your cabin involves eliminating attractions that might lure them in. Securing your garbage is vital. Seal your garbage cans tightly and store them in a locked shed away from the cabin. You can also use bear-proof garbage bins that have been tested to thwart even the most determined jaws and claws. Never leave food or leftovers outside.

Bears possess an exceptional sense of smell and are easily drawn to food sources. Keep kitchen windows closed as much as possible, don’t leave food on kitchen countertops, and store food in the refrigerator in tight containers that don’t allow odors to escape.

Cleaning grills thoroughly after every use and storing them in a locked shed also helps reduce the chances of attracting bears. If you dine outside, clean the area completely to ensure there are no crumbs or grease spots left behind. 

Also, keep your vehicle windows closed and don’t leave anything scented inside to minimize bear curiosity. Remove bird feeders when bears are active, as the seeds and nuts they contain can attract bears.

Secure All Doors and Windows

Enhancing the security of doors and windows can help prevent bears from entering your cabin. Make sure windows have robust locks, and consider installing window bars, spaced no more than six inches apart, on the first floor. Just make sure there’s a way out on the second floor in case of fire. 

Some window suppliers now feature bear-resistant glass, too. This material can thwart bears that are trying to break in by smashing through windows or glass doors. 

Contact a locksmith to replace lever-style door handles with round knobs that have knob collars and keyed locks backed up by deadbolts locked on the inside. These are harder for bears to defeat. Consider installing steel security doors with steel frames or installing doors that open outward. 

Leave Talk Radio On When You’re Not Home

Secure your cabin against both human and ursine intruders. An effective method to deter bears is to leave talk radio playing when you are not home. The sound of human voices can often discourage bears from approaching your property.

Make Noise

Bears typically avoid areas with human activity. Making noise, whether manually or randomly through devices, can help deter them. Every cabin should be stocked not only with pots and pans for you to bang on but also an air horn that you can use to startle and scare away an approaching bear. 

Like other pests, bears can get used to repetitive sounds, so make sure your noisemaking is varied enough that they do not become too accustomed to the sound.Understanding how to keep bears away from a cabin is a critical aspect to consider before buying a cabin. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has many tips for bearproofing your home. Know what steps you can take to deter bears before you make that down payment on your woodland retreat.