Can I use a Bear Sentry to protect beehives?

A bear would be highly motivated to cross the fence perimeter. While the Bear Sentry energizer is capable of delivering the shock required, it’s important that your set up provide the best circumstances for that big shock to happen, whether the bear hits the fence high or low, with its nose or thickly furred body. (Learn about this electrical connection here).

The best Bear Sentry for the job would be the Base Camp  model with possibly one or more expansion packs depending on the size of the apiary and the terrain.

String at least one extra polywire line on the lowest clip (in addition to the minimum 3 we recommend).

Ensure that all the lines remain taught. Position the step-in posts closer together than the 5m / 16’ maximum we normally recommend and use more posts with expansion packs if you have to. This will avoid potential sag in the lines. You can also use guy lines on the corner posts for more tension.

It’s a good idea to install a “bear mat” i.e. landscape fabric inside the apiary (as in the photo) and extend it beyond the fence perimeter; this helps to keep grass from touching the wires and retains moisture “under paw” for a better shock.

You’ll need access to your bees and this means setting up your fence for a door.

You’d have to hook up the energizer on the the outside of course, so that you can disconnect the fence before heading in. Just remember not to handle the hardware afterwards with sticky, sweet smelling hands or the bear will deactivate the fence for you.

We recommend using household/mains power with the AC adapter. If you’re off-grid, use a 12V battery charged by a 100W solar panel.