Oregon Wildlife Officials: Bear Advice for the Season, Especially the Coast

Published 10/24/2026 at 8:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Yachats, Oregon) – Them bears, right? And no, that's not a sports reference. We're talking Oregon bears. They are showing up in greater numbers this time of year, said Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).

Autumn temps are triggering Oregon's annual bear feeding season, known as hyperphagia, prompting wildlife officials to urge residents and visitors to remove food sources that can attract bears into neighborhoods and campgrounds.

During hyperphagia, black bears begin to seriously stuff their faces. They are instinctively building fat reserves for winter. The feeding period begins in late summer as berries and other fruits ripen and typically peaks when pears and apples become available. Bears can spend up to 20 hours a day foraging during this period.

ODFW said a poor mountain berry crop in Western Oregon this year has already pushed more bears toward human food sources before hyperphagia fully began.

Oregon's black bear population is heavily concentrated along the coast, in the Cascade Range and in the Blue Mountains.

Photo ODFW: Bears will on occasion literally eat you out of house and home

“Coastal residents and visitors need to be especially vigilant as bears are common even in more populated and highly visited seaside towns,” the agency said. “ODFW strongly encourages property managers to provide bear-resistant trash cans, educate guests how to use those cans and give them BearWise tips to minimize the risk of bear encounters or issues.”

Wildlife officials warn that once a bear finds an easy food source, it is likely to return repeatedly, creating potential safety concerns for people and pets.

“Because bears take advantage of free food – garbage, pet food, bird seed, livestock and poultry feed – Oregon residents, vacation rental managers, and visitors should remove or secure those food sources,” ODFW said.

Basic advice: secure the stuff.

Coastal residents and visitors are being encouraged to remain especially vigilant, as bears are commonly found even in more populated and highly visited seaside communities.

ODFW is also encouraging property managers and vacation rental operators to provide bear-resistant garbage containers, educate guests on their proper use and share BearWise recommendations aimed at reducing bear encounters and conflicts.

Wildlife officials note that bears can smell food from miles away and are highly skilled at locating food sources. Unsecured trash remains one of the leading reasons bears are drawn into residential neighborhoods. Bears also have strong memories and often return to locations where they previously found food. Female bears can pass knowledge of reliable food sources on to their cubs, meaning accidental or intentional feeding can affect multiple generations of bears.

The agency emphasized that most conflicts between people and bears are preventable.

Removing food attractants remains the most effective way to protect both people and wildlife, according to ODFW. Officials recommend following several BearWise practices to reduce the risk of encounters.

Brookings: photo ODFW

Residents are advised never to feed or approach bears. Wildlife officials say feeding bears, whether intentional or accidental, teaches the animals to associate people with food and is illegal in Oregon under ORS 496.730.

You are also encouraged to secure food, garbage and recycling. Trash cans, compost bins and dumpsters should have locking or screw-on lids, metal security bars or be stored in fully enclosed areas. Officials recommend taking the trash out immediately before pickup rather than leaving it outside overnight.

Bird feeders are also a problem in some rural areas. ODFW recommends removing bird feeders during bear season, noting that birds have abundant natural food sources available. Pet owners are encouraged to feed animals indoors and keep pet food stored inside, as pet food can attract bears and other wildlife.

The agency also advises residents to clean and store barbecue grills after each use and to alert neighbors to unusual bear activity, including repeated daytime sightings or bears that show little fear of people or pets.

For residents who keep backyard chickens, ODFW recommends reviewing BearWise guidance for raising poultry in bear country to help reduce potential conflicts.

Wildlife officials said these relatively simple precautions can help prevent conflicts and keep both bears and people safe. Anyone experiencing a bear-human conflict is encouraged to contact their local ODFW district office. Human safety concerns or reports of aggressive bear behavior should be directed to the Oregon State Police.

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