OUTDOOR ADVICE How to avoid attracting bears

Five suggestions that could prevent attracting bears to a property:
Play it smart. Do not feed wildlife. Food placed outside for wildlife, such as corn for squirrels, may attract bears. Even bird feeders can become "bear magnets." And while feeding birds during the winter months is not a problem, spring is the time to rethink your bird-feeding plans as bears start moving around more.
Keep it clean. Don't put out garbage until pickup day, don't throw table scraps out back, don't add fruit or vegetable wastes to your compost pile and make sure to clean your barbecue grill regularly. If you have pets and feed them outdoors, consider placing food dishes inside overnight. Encourage your neighbors to do the same.
Keep your distance. If a bear shows up in your back yard, stay calm. Shout at it like you would to chase an unwanted dog. Don't approach it. If the bear won't leave, call the nearest Ohio Division of Wildlife or Pennsylvania Game Commission officer or local police department for assistance.
Eliminate temptation. Bears that visit your area are often drawn there. Neighbors need to work together to reduce an area's appeal to bears. Promptly report road-killed animals to ensure their quick removal. Ask area businesses to keep trash bins closed and bear-proofed (chained or locked shut).
Check please! If your dog is barking, or cat is clawing at the door to get in, try to determine what has alarmed your pet. But do it cautiously, using outside lights to full advantage and from a safe position, such as a porch or an upstairs window. All unrecognizable outside noises and disturbances should be checked, but don't do it on foot with a flashlight. Black bears blend in too well with nighttime surroundings, providing the chance for a close encounter.
Source: Pennsylvania Game Commission