Black Bear Damage in Grapes
Return to Wildlife
Black bear (Ursus americanus) damage occurs when they are attracted to ripe or nearripe fruit. Bears eat fruit directly off plants; they can also break or damage plants or trellises during feeding. Black bears potentially exceed 300 pounds and are capable climbers. Look for tracks or scat around plants or for large numbers of broken/damaged plants close together.
Black bear.
(Photo: U.S. National Parks System)
Black bear track.
(Photo: U.S. National Parks System)
Management:
- Protect vines using electric fencing (voltage of at least 8,000 volts).
- Use propane cannons, activated when fruit is almost ripe, to deter bears from the area (beginning 2 to 3 weeks before harvest).
