Wildlife are constantly searching for food and can be drawn to common attractants found on your property. Minimizing these attractants help keep campers safe, prevents property damage, and protects animals from being food-conditioned. Food-conditioned means they are more likely to return, less likely to avoid people, and may pose a greater risk over time. That's not what you want! As a Hipcamp Host, thoughtful attractant management is key to coexisting with wildlife and maintaining a great and safe outdoor experience for your campers and for animals.
Thanks to our friends at The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, we have a quick guide to the most common attractants and how to manage them:
Garbage and Recycling
- Provide IGBC-certified bear-resistant trash bins for your campers. If bears can't get in, other wildlife can't either.
- Keep garbage and recycling in a secure building until collection day.
- Further reading: How should I manage waste and garbage?
Bird Feeders
- Bird feeders can attract unwanted wildlife, especially bears. Consider replacing them with bird baths, birdhouses, or native vegetation.
- If you're in bear country, remove bird feeders during active bear season (spring through fall).
Chickens and Small Livestock
- Keep animals protected in a hard-sided, secure structure at night.
- Use electric fencing if you live in an area with bears.
Pet Food
- Feed pets indoors whenever possible.
- If feeding outside, do so during daylight hours and clean up any spilled or uneaten food promptly.
Grills
- Clean grills thoroughly after each use, or store them in a secure structure when not in use.
Gardens and Compost
- Compost can attract wildlife, including bears. Consider installing an electric fence around your compost pile and garden if you are in bear country.
Fruit Trees
- Pick fruit as soon as it ripens and collect any fallen fruit from the ground regularly.
- Consider installing an electric fence around fruit trees if you live in an area with bears.