Beeyard Location Avoid placing beeyards near areas frequently used by bears, such as berry patches, garbage dumps, heavily forested areas, riparian corridors, ravines, forested ridges and game trails. Bear use of an area can change depending on season, food availability and human disturbance. For example, during August and September black bears intensely forage on ripening nuts and berries in oakbrush habitat along the lower foothills of southcentral and southwestern Colorado. To avoid bear damage, remove beehives from this habitat before the bears arrive. If you are unsure about bear patterns in your area, contact your regional CDOW office for more information.
Bears prefer to stay where they have adequate cover.
Placing beeyards in the open, away from forest edges and other cover, may discourage bears from approaching. One study found that beeyards located less than 300 feet from forest edges received an average of 4.5 visits from bears, whereas those located more than 300 feet away received an average of 1.9 bear visits. The study also found that beeyards located within 300 feet of a ravine received over twice as many bear visits as those located more than 300 feet from it. Electric Fences Solar-charged or 110 volt electric fencing is one of the most effective methods to reduce black bear damage. An electric fence must be well grounded, sufficiently charged at all times, and maintained on a regular basis.