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Shandaken volunteers weigh electric fences, mats and noise deterrents to keep bears away
Summary
Committee members discussed pros and cons of deterrence tools — including solar electric fences, ground electrified mats, air horns and homemade options — and shared firsthand experience about maintenance and effectiveness.
Members spent a substantial portion of the meeting on deterrence options, reviewing electric fences, ground‑level electric mats, compressed‑air horns and other devices. One member described their experience with a solar electric fence: "my solar 1 that's a 100 feet cost $500" (Committee member), and another said an active fence had kept a bear away: "it's working... this bear didn't even touch it and has not come back" (Committee member).
The group discussed maintenance burdens — keeping vegetation off the line and charging solar batteries — and considered low‑cost modifications and shared neighborhood solutions for people who cannot afford full bear‑proof systems. DEC guidance was cited as a reference for recommended practices and for hazing techniques the committee should promote in outreach.
