Guidelines for the Installation of Temporary Electric Fencing for Black Bears

The following has been prepared by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and attempts to provide an overview of the subject for information purposes only. The Ministry does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the contents and assumes no liability for any consequences arising out of anyone's use of, or reliance on, the information. The Ministry does not recommend any particular manufacturer or product. However it is hoped that the information below will provide some assistance as you consider what specific solution will address your particular needs.

In instances where the installation of permanent electric fencing to prohibit access by black bears is not feasible, temporary electric fencing may be a practical alternative.

Apiaries, work camps and orchards are examples where permanent electric fencing may not be necessary or practical making temporary fencing a more appropriate and cost effective option.

Although many variations exist, we recommend the following as minimum requirements for the installation of a temporary electric fence:

• Fence lines should be prepared prior to fence installation. A minimum of turns/corners and level terrain will reduce costs and lessen maintenance needs. All vegetation should be removed or mowed to a minimum width of 40 cm. A herbicide can also be applied as a more permanent means of preventing vegetation from touching wires under the appropriate conditions. Keep the fence line at least 1 meter from the protected item and from a climbable object.
• Install a temporary fence with a minimum of six (6) strands of 12.5 gauge high tensile galvanized wire tightened to a point that ensures the fur of the bear is parted and the wire touches the skin directly. Place the bottom wire approximately five (5) cm from the ground and space subsequent wires no greater than 25 cm apart, with alternating positive and negative strands, with the top wire at a height of approximately one hundred and ten (110) cm from the ground. High visibility fence tape (Polytape) placed as the top strand may be beneficial as a visual barrier to bears and as a safety measure for humans.
• Attach the wires to push rods or wooden posts with insulators or attach directly to fiberglass posts. Pound or push into the ground to a depth of 60 cm, rather than digging holes. Space the posts from 5m to a maximum spacing of 7.5 m apart.
• Because rods/posts are sometimes less sturdy than those used in permanent applications it is important to brace corner posts and gate areas so that the posts will not bend or pull from the ground when the wire is pulled to the appropriate tension. Guy wires or inside angle braces should be installed to alleviate any tightening/loosening problems. An in-strand tension adjuster such as a split bolt is beneficial for periodically adjusting the wire tension.
• Choose an energizer of one (1) joule or larger, capable of delivering a minimum shock of six thousand (6000) volts. Electric or solar energizers are available.
• Ground the system using three (3) 16mm ground rods, 2-3 m deep and spaced at least three (3) m apart, connected to the negative output terminal of the fence charger by ground clamps. Place the rods in moist soil when available which insures a good ground.
• Electric gates can also be installed where required. Gates for temporary applications usually consist of openings with gate handles on each strand of electrified wire.
• Choose fence materials approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
  Ensure the fence is operational during the entire bear season (from April 1st to November 30th unless environmental conditions, such as snow depth, dictate otherwise).
• Walk the perimeter of the fence regularly to ensure that the fence remains operational. Clear vegetation and other objects that may short-out the fence.
• Check the voltage output of the fence regularly to ensure it is functioning properly.

NOTE: Where applicable follow all manufacturers' instructions when installing electric fencing or components or contact a knowledgeable electric fence installer prior to installing a fence.

NOTE: The information provided contains certain suggestions which are provided as a matter of courtesy for information purposes only. The Ministry of Natural Resources assumes no liability or responsibility, and makes no warranties, express or implied, statutory or otherwise, respecting the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information contained herein or its effectiveness to achieve a particular purpose. In no event will the Ministry be liable or have any obligation whatsoever for any damages or losses of any kind (including without limitation personal injuries or death) resulting in any way from any errors, inaccuracies or omissions in this information or the ineffectiveness of this information to achieve any particular purpose. The Ministry does not recommend any particular manufacturer or product.

TO REPORT BEAR PROBLEMS: contact the Bear Reporting Line at:
1-866-514-2327  (TTY) 705 945-7641

In a life-threatening emergency, call your local police or 911.