Fortunately, most bird feeding activities occur during the winter when bears are in their dens. When bears emerge their dens in March, natural foods are not abundant and bird feeders represent a readily abundant food source. It is highly recommended that bird feeding activities cease at that time if you live in bear country. It is also important to remember that residual seed remaining on the ground will also be attractive to the bears. It should either be removed or treated with a covering scent such as ammonia.
Some people start feeding again during early summer and closely monitor their feeders.
If any bears return, they immediately cease their operation. Many people feel they can out-smart the bears by taking their feeders in at night. This may offer some relief, however there is usually enough residual feed from daytime feeding to continue to attract bears. Others attempt to place the feeder high and out of reach of the bear. A bears sense of smell is so keenly developed that the feeder will continue to attract the bear.