We asked participants in a recent cover survey to send questions that Contributing Editor Julie Craves could answer in her popular column "Since You Asked" in our upcoming December issue. The response was amazing! We received far more interesting questions than Julie could address in the December issue, so we're jumping right in and answering questions for her. We'll answer more on the blog and in future issues of our newsletter.

Jackie Marchetti of Edwards, Colorado, asked: "Is there a way to feed birds in bear country? The bears keep tearing down my feeders!!!"

Letha Anderson of Ocean Park, Washington, and David Davis of Arlington, Virginia, also asked about bears.

Incidents of bears tearing down feeders to feed on bird seed, suet, and hummingbird nectar are common in bear country. A quick search on YouTube produced more than 500 videos of bears at feeders. And in one area of New York, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, at certain times of the year, bird feeders are involved in more than 80 percent of the bear problems around houses.

In the photo at right, by Jainnie C. Jenkins of Colorado Springs, Colorado, a bear cub balances on a railing on a second-floor deck to get into a feeder. The cub, which also munched on a suet feeder and showed interest in a hummingbird feeder, had figured out a way to climb up the side of the house to get to the goods.

To answer Jackie’s question, yes, you can find ways to feed birds in bear country. Heavy-duty bear-proof feeders are available. They don’t prevent bears from getting at the seed; they simply prevent you from having to throw away the feeder after the bear is through with it.

You can also take your feeders in at night, but, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation suggests it's not that effective. “This may offer some relief; however, there is usually enough residual feed from daytime feeding to continue to attract bears.”

Mixing cayenne pepper into your seed makes it less palatable to bears, but it only works one bear at a time. Each new bear that finds your feeder would have to learn that your seed doesn’t taste good.

Keeping your feeder out of a bear’s reach is an option, but it’s a tall order. The animals are excellent climbers and will not be easily deterred from a nutritious meal of seeds or nuts. “If you don’t want to stop feeding birds,” says the Colorado Division of Wildlife, “you need to hang your feeders at least ten feet off the ground and ten feet away from anything bears can climb.”

So, yes, feeding birds in bear country can be done. But should you do it?

State wildlife and conservation departments say no, don’t feed birds from March to October — the months that bears are outside their dens. Colorado’s Division of Wildlife is clear: “We recommend not feeding birds during the months when bears are active. Instead, use water features, plantings, nest boxes and flowers to attract birds. Use bird feeders only when bears are hibernating.”

Although I realize it’s difficult for those of us who enjoy feeding birds to take our feeders down, it’s just as important to consider the health and safety of the bears. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation explains it well:

“Keep in mind that any feed placed out for wildlife is not species specific — it is impossible to pick and choose which animals will be attracted and which animals will not. However, the choice is up to the individual, and any activity which results in attracting black bears close to homes should be carefully considered. The resulting presence of bears affects neighbors' homes as well, and in the long run does more harm to the bears than good. Bears that become accustomed to approaching houses and people often become chronic nuisances. It is highly likely that the bears will suffer diet deficiencies from continued consumption of improper foods, end up hit by cars, or shot illegally by people who misunderstand their intentions. As is the case with almost all bear-human conflicts, if you take away the food you will take away the bear.”

And what about the birds? They'll be fine. They will find natural sources of food, just as they have for eons. —-Matt Mendenhall, Associate Editor