Montreat Bear Survey Insights
This survey conducted in Montreat gathered data on residents' experiences and perceptions regarding bears. Results indicate a significant increase in bear activity, raising concerns among residents about safety and frequency of bear sightings in the area.
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Town of Montreat Bear Survey Purpose: Collect data from residents re. bear experiences and perceptions in preparation for meeting with NCWRC to discuss bear management solutions in Montreat and develop our own plans Launched survey August 21; Closed survey on September 8 450 Responses 92% were homeowners 36% Full Time Residents 28% Part Time Residents (4-11 months) 19% Summer Residents 16% Other 1,224 Comments! 1 Powered by
Q1: How serious do you feel the bear situation is in Montreat? Answered: 449 Skipped: 1 26.95% Very serious 41.87% Serious 19.15% Neutral 8.46% Not serious 2.45% Not at all serious 1.11% Don't know 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Powered by
Q2: Do you feel there has been an increase in bear activity this year over previous years? Answered: 449 Skipped: 1 83.30% Yes 6.46% No 10.24% Can't tell 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Powered by
Without question. We had 40+ bear sightings this summer over June and July compared to ~10 the year before over a similar time period. 5 years ago I told renters I had not seen a bear in Montreat in 50 years. Now I see several every year. Our renters (6 families) all saw bears around our cottage during their stays. We have cameras on our property and used to see 1-2 bears a month when we weren t around. Now we see them in person, in broad daylight, daily. Significant increase. For the first time in 40 years, I am actually a little scared to walk around in Montreat. Have lived here 15 years and have seen an increase over the past few years. This summer has been the worst. 4 Powered by
Q3: On average, how frequently do you see bears in Montreat? Answered: 440 Skipped: 10 9.77% Daily 23.64% Three or four times a week 23.64% Several times a week 17.73% Once a week 15.00% Every couple weeks 10.00% Infrequently 0.23% Not at all 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Powered by
Q4: Have you had any experiences with bears on your own property this season? If you answer "No", skip to Question 6 Answered: 440 Skipped: 10 88.86% Yes 11.14% No 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Powered by
Q5: What type of activity have you experienced? Check all that apply: Answered: 385 Skipped: 65 27.79% Bears getting into my trash 13.25% Bears breaking/destroying my trash receptacles Bears in close proximity on my deck, porch, patio, or other outdoor area 80.78% 4.68% Bears feasting on my bird feeder(s) 37.14% Bears doing minor damage to my home or property 3.64% Bears doing major damage to my home or property 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Powered by
Q5: What type of Damage have you sustained? (By number of mentions) Answered: 187 1. Broken basement/crawlspace vents/access doors 2. Ripped up siding, screens, lattice, house trim, doors, other damage 3. Broken fences, rock walls, retaining walls, steps, rock path edging Broken tree branches, destroyed trees and plantings 4. Broken water pipes, HVAC, tore out insulation 5. Broken trash receptacles/boxes 6. Broken articles: flower pots, bird feeders, furniture, grills, and stole items! 7. Broke into house, got food; living underneath house 8. Broke into shed Sustained auto damage 8 Powered by
Q6: Do you know of anyone who has intentionally fed bears this season? Answered: 444 Skipped: 6 4.95% Yes 95.05% No 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Powered by
Q7: What ideas do you have to improve the bear situation in Montreat? Answered 294 Adopt BearWise practices Homeowners take responsibility- secure trash Dumpster controls Educate homeowners Bear proof trash containers Hunt bears, thin the population Set up schedule for sanitation pickup so trash doesn t sit out for long Control renters and rental owners Nothing, we need to learn to live together Fines if bears get into your trash Relocate bears out of Montreat Be smart about handling trash Get tough on rentals where trash is a frequent problem Nothing, they were here first Ban birdfeeders Educate conferees and summer visitors Stop curbside trash pickup; everyone use Town Convenience Center only 10 Powered by
Q8: Do you think Town government should require property owners to have bear proof/resistant trash receptacles? Answered: 442 Skipped: 8 66.52% Yes 13.57% No 19.91% Depends 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Powered by
Q8: Thoughts/Comments about Required Trash Receptacles Concern for expense Town should provide Require them of rental cottages Is there truly a bear proof trash receptacle? Already thought they were required Yes if use curbside pickup; no if use Town Convenience Center Many use the Town Convenience Center Levy hefty fines for property owners if bears get into trash- don t waver Check how other communities handle it 12 Powered by
Q9: Do you think Town government should limit the use of bird feeders to prevent them becoming a food attraction for bears? Answered: 428 Skipped: 22 49.77% Yes 30.61% No 19.63% Depends 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Powered by
Whats Next? Where to now? Town setting up meeting with NC Wildlife Resources Commission to discuss situation and solutions Residents must take responsibility for trash control Town Council/staff will consider mandatory bear proof trash containers Town Council/staff will review trash pickup procedures and schedule Town Council/staff will discuss roles of curbside pickup and Town Convenience Center Powered by
