How to protect pets from bear attack in West Virginia | Black bear

West Virginia > A person or pet has been bitten, scratched or attacked by an animal > Black bear

How to protect pets from bear attack

Bears will not generally attack pets, but they can sometimes be startled by a pet while investigating food sources in and around your yard. Most bears will run and climb a tree when disturbed in this way, but if your pet attacks the bear or is too close a paw swat or attack is possible. Large male bears or sows with cubs might stand their ground rather than run away if they feel threatened. 

Here are a few things you can do to protect your pets from bears:

  • Keep your dog on a leash if a bear is active in your area.
  • Turn on outside lights and make noise when walking pets after dark. 
  • Keep your pet in the house after dark.
  • Don’t leave small pets outside unless you are present.
  • Feed your pets inside. If you must feed them outside, remove their dish and clean up afterwards. Store food and other attractants in animal-proof containers with locking lids. 
  • If a bear attacks your pet, do not rush the bear and attempt to separate the animals. Make loud noises by shouting and clapping and, if available, spray the bear with a hose or throw objects at it while maintaining a safe distance. Once the bear leaves the area, retrieve your pet and leave the area. If your pet is injured, call your veterinarian for advice on effective treatment. Also, contact your state wildlife agency immediately. The agency will assess the threat and take appropriate action to deal with the offending animal.

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.

Instructions for Possible Exposure to Rabies in West Virginia

In West Virginia, if you are exposed (through bite or contact with saliva) to a potentially rabid wild animal, contact your family physician and county health department for further instructions.  Contact your veterinarian if your pet has been exposed.

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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