For HOAs, Resort Communities and Neighborhoods
Most people who live in places bears live too enjoy the outdoors and want to be closer to nature. But finding a bear methodically emptying your refrigerator or smashing your car windows is not what they have in mind.
Getting people to work together to prevent problems for bears and the community takes information, inspiration, motivation and often legislation. Homeowners' Associations and communities will find all that and more in Living with Bears Handbook, and the new Bear Smart Pocket Guides.
"We recommend Living with Bears to all our property owners, and we sell it in the office. It makes it much easier to get people to understand what they need to do to prevent bear problems."
— Jim Tiffin, Crystal Lakes Association, Colorado
Working Together to Prevent Problems
Homeowners' associations are uniquely positioned to help motivate homeowners and stress how important it is for everyone to work together to prevent problems for people and bears.
Up to 10,000 members of Hemlock Farms, an HOA community of full-time and seasonal residents in Pennsylvania have been successfully sharing eight square miles with about 20 bears for generations. Hemlock Farms uses education, information and when all else fails, financial motivation, to persuade people to live responsibly. Read their story in Living with Bears Handbook. Download the Hemlock Farms Ordinance here.
“Not getting along with the bears is not an option. It’s up to people to accept that bears live in close proximity and that we need to educate ourselves on the dos and don’ts of living with them.”
- Mike Sibio, Hemlock Farms, Pennsylvania Community Manager since 1985
Recommended Reading
"As a long-time beekeeper, I can say, without a doubt, that Living with Bears Handbook is a must-read for all beekeepers in bear country. It's chock full of handy tips that will help beekeepers protect their hives, including ways to create physical barriers that keep hungry and curious bears at bay."
Jay Bradshaw - Bad Bear Honey, Aldie, Virginia
The Book At-A-Glance
- Understanding bears
- Bear-proofing homes
- Preventing problems
- Feeding birds, protecting pets, gardening
- Trash problems and solutions
- Dealing with people who won’t cooperate
- Deterring bears from homes and communities
- When bears are killed
- Sample ordinances and laws
- Success stories on: handling trash, motivating homeowners, adapting for bears, laying down the law, successful community-based volunteer programs
Put the Book to Work
40% discounts start at 5 books
- Use for staff and board member education
- Sell in HOA office – either at wholesale, or sell at retail and put the profits towards bear proofing and education.
- Include in the welcome package for new homeowners
- Use as a fundraiser
Autographed copies available