How to fence out bears in West Virginia | Black bear

West Virginia > Animal is eating my fruit trees > Black bear

Fencing has been effective in excluding bears from food sources, but it can be expensive. Electric fences are best because bears are good climbers. An electric poly tape fence is an economical alternative if you are trying to protect an individual tree or small area and do not want a permanent fixture. A woven wire fence is a bigger investment, but a more permanent structure. You can energize the fence using a 110-volt outlet or a 12-volt deep cell (marine) battery connected to a high-output fence charger. The fence must deliver a sufficient shock to be effective. Bears can often be enticed to lick or sniff the wire and get shocked by attaching attractants (e.g., peanut butter, aluminum foil strips, etc.) to the fencing. Fence voltage should be a minimum of 3,000 volts. Recharge batteries during the day so the fence is energized at night when bears are most active. Place signage to warn people about the electric fence.

Assistance in West Virginia

Contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for a list of licensed Animal Damage Control agents in your area who can assist with animal removal, damage, damage prevention, and clean up. Be aware that they charge for their services. Your local Division of Natural Resources office can provide guidance regarding nuisance wildlife. They can also provide you with a permit to remove or destroy certain animals, and advice on how to do so, if it is necessary or desirable for you to trap or shoot animals yourself. Federally protected species require additional permits as noted if necessary.

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources district offices:

District 1 Farmington 304 825-6787

District 2 Romney 304 822-3551

District 3 French Creek 304 924-6211

District 4 Beckely 304 256-6947

District 5 Alum Creek 304 756-1023

District 6 Parkersburg 304 420-4550

Op Center Elkins 304 637-0245

Trapped animals must be humanely dispatched. They may not be relocated without prior approval from West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Laws and regulations to be aware of

While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

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How to fence out bears in West Virginia | Black bear

How to fence out bears

Assistance in West Virginia