Electric fencing is a relatively simple and cost-effective way to secure bear attractants that cannot be removed or otherwise contained and is a proven method for protecting bears, and other wildlife, from becoming non-natural food conditioned. Electric fences are easily adapted to a variety of situations—fruit and berry orchards, urban hen coops, beehives, livestock enclosures, grain sheds, landfills, hunting and backpacking camps, and even high-use visitor areas and campgrounds (take the Lake Louise campground, for instance).

Depending on what is being protected, fences can be installed permanently or temporarily. Long-term wildlife attractants, such as landfills, will require a substantial permanent fence. On the other hand, residents with fruit trees, berry bushes, or vegetable gardens can opt for a portable, lightweight fence that can be removed once harvesting is completed. Electric fences deter bears by providing an electric shock when the animal touches the charged wires. Under normal operating conditions, an electric fence functions as an incomplete (open) circuit with repeating pulses of electricity generated by the energizer sent through the charged wires of the fence. When an animal touches a charged wire, it grounds the fence, creating a closed circuit. An electrical pulse travels through the animal and back to the energizer, delivering a shock to the animal. While the electric shock is unpleasant to animals (and humans), it is not lethal or harmful. An electric fence is humane, since it can only shock the animal if it persists in making contact; once the animal moves away, the displeasure stops.

Being intelligent animals, bears quickly learn to avoid negative stimulus; electric fencing not only deters bears, but it teaches them to stay away. For information on electric fencing design, safety, and other considerations, WildSafeBC has guidelines and a checklist.  Additional information can be found on their website. For information on how to create a wildlife attractant bylaw, or insert wording into an existing bylaw, that includes requirements for electric fencing to protect urban chickens, beehives, and other attractants, read this Wildlife Attractant Bylaw & Guide. The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) provides a list of recommended permanent and temporary electric fences for use in grizzly bear country (refer to pages 27-30).