Bears can be a serious problem in orchards as the harvest approaches. In years when their native berry hosts have low production, orchards become a favourite target of bears along with vineyards in the fall. Depending on the intensity of bear attack, orchard managers have tried many different methods to keep bears out of their orchards such as nightly patrols to scare off bears using bird flares and bangers, rubber bullets, or other scare tactics. Managers must weigh this approach against staff costs and safety. Properly constructed electric fencing is the only proven effective method for protecting orchards from bears. Information on the construction of electric bear fencing is available from the BCMA fact sheet Crop Protection and Wildlife Control Fences.  Contact the Ministry of Environment Conservation Officer Service – Problem Animal Hotline (1-877-952-7277) for information on shooting or trapping nuisance bears.