Black Bear Damage in Peach
Return to Wildlife
Black bear (Ursus americanus) are attracted to fruit that is ripe or near-ripe, and they eat peaches directly off trees. However, because black bears potentially exceed 300 pounds and are capable climbers, they can also break or damage trees during feeding activity. Look for claw marks on trees, tracks or scat around plants, or large numbers of broken/ damaged trees close together.
Bear claw marks on tree.
(Photo: Matthew Springer, University of Kentucky)
Black bear.
(Photo: U.S. National Parks Service)
Black bear track.
(Photo: U.S. National Parks Service)
Management:
- Protect trees 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 (begin 2 to 3 weeks before harvest).
