As animal lovers, we tend to associate deer with "Bambi" and bears with "Winnie the Pooh;" however, as gardeners, we know better. We know that both types of animals are destructive in gardens; and they aren't as cute as they set out to be. 

For now, let's focus on the mass destruction of bears on agriculture and what's to come of the new season - spring.

While bears do not actually go into full hibernation (sleep mode) in the winter, they tend to move less to preserve energy levels. In March and April, they make an official exit from hibernation where they will scout for food in the springtime. Some home growers admit to seeing bears as early as January or February.

To protect home gardens from bear damage, electric fence installation is recommended. Bears will demolish plastic fencing and some types of metal fencing. Electric bear netting is the best course of action for bear deterrence in spring. 

There are over 20,000 bears in Canada - mainly in the British Columbia region. For home gardeners that wish to protect crops from bears, consider an electric bear fence.