# Bear tried to break into shed again. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 4, 2019, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176 "2019-08-04T14:40:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2019, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/1 "2019-08-04T14:40:56Z")
MPSIMS for sure, just sharing, waiting for it to warm up before I get outside to do some chores. [Bear tried to break into shed again.](https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r148/enipla/0/9f10c26d-964d-434e-81e4-cccbc91f2513-original.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds) The doggie alarm went off, I stepped out to look, but he/she was gone. [Fixed it. Replaced plywood and now using oak trim](https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/r148/enipla/0/6a20ed08-86cc-47e8-82b3-8564aca6c971-original.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds) You can see new claw marks in the oak. We do store trash in the shed, I take it to the transfer station every two weeks. It’s bagged and there are only the two of us. I spread mothballs around the entrance to dissuade them. It helps cover up any lingering smell of the trash. I’m thinking about getting one of those contractors tool boxes that they use to secure tools in the back of pickup trucks, but don’t know where I would put it. If it doesn’t move, [it’s snow storage.](https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/r148/enipla/IMG_0306-1.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds) If it does move, it’s in the way and I need to move it so I can plow. :sigh: Short summers at altitude. The bears are already storing up for hibernation. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2019, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/2 "2019-08-04T15:15:03Z")
I see in your profile you can see the middle of nowhere. I’m waving at you from there. There are bears here, as well. They’ve never ventured so close to me as yours has. I hope your shed holds up. I’ve seen people put nail strips so bears are discouraged. Good luck Cool pix! ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2019, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/3 "2019-08-04T15:18:31Z")
So I guess this answers the age-old question, “Does a bear break into sheds in the woods?” ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2019, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/4 "2019-08-04T15:30:23Z")
_crosses that one off list_ ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2019, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/5 "2019-08-04T15:52:24Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I see in your profile you can see the middle of nowhere. I’m waving at you from there. There are bears here, as well. They’ve never ventured so close to me as yours has. I hope your shed holds up. I’ve seen people put nail strips so bears are discouraged. Good luck > Cool pix! I sort of see it as myself being in their environment, not the other way around. We do keep our eyes open, but mostly, they are timid around humans. I had one that stalked the house. He would just sit and look at you. Kinda creepy being sized up like that. Pots and pans banging would not scare them off. A .30-.30 shot into a tree next to him did finally get his attention. Found a bear in the back of my plow truck once. “Oh! Well then. I’m just gonna go over there for a while.” Mostly now, we have moose that are good neighbors. They eat the grass over our septic field. I appreciate that. Just don’t get too close. They seem docile, but there is a reason for that. They aren’t afraid of anything for good reason. Found him - [This is Frederick](https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/r148/enipla/Moose10.jpg) Started naming them. I did have a ‘neighbor’ that put out scraps (ham bone or whatever) to draw wildlife. Umm. No. Really. Don’t do that. It won’t end well. ---
**Author:** ![Nawth\_Chucka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c57346/32.png) [@Nawth\_Chucka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nawth_Chucka)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2019, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/6 "2019-08-04T15:57:53Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > I sort of see it as myself being in their environment, not the other way around. We do keep our eyes open, but mostly, they are timid around humans. > > I had one that stalked the house. He would just sit and look at you. Kinda creepy being sized up like that. Pots and pans banging would not scare them off. A .30-.30 shot into a tree next to him did finally get his attention. Found a bear in the back of my plow truck once. “Oh! Well then. I’m just gonna go over there for a while.” > > Mostly now, we have moose that are good neighbors. They eat the grass over our septic field. I appreciate that. Just don’t get too close. They seem docile, but there is a reason for that. They aren’t afraid of anything for good reason. Found him - [This is Frederick](https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/r148/enipla/Moose10.jpg) Started naming them. > > I did have a ‘neighbor’ that put out scraps (ham bone or whatever) to draw wildlife. Umm. No. Really. Don’t do that. It won’t end well. Oh, Frederick is a handsome moose! And I wouldn’t bother him for a million dollars. How are you set for trees? I’m picturing the unattended job sites that will store their tool boxes in the air from a crane. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2019, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/7 "2019-08-04T16:44:12Z")
He’s really gone downhill since his series got cancelled. I hear Greg Evigan has given up on him. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2019, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/8 "2019-08-04T18:40:39Z")
> [@Nawth\_Chucka](#): > > Oh, Frederick is a handsome moose! And I wouldn’t bother him for a million dollars. > How are you set for trees? I’m picturing the unattended job sites that will store their tool boxes in the air from a crane. Yeah, trees we got. Big tall pine trees. Thanks for the idea, but really won’t work. I could probably store a box behind my tractor, but it’s sort of inconvenient. Well dealing with 25-30 feet of snow a year is… um… inconvenient. Don’t want to make it harder. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2019, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/9 "2019-08-04T18:55:21Z")
Around here (with less snow than that, jesus), people use portable electric fencing to keep bears out of their (garbage, chicken house, freezer). ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2019, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/10 "2019-08-04T19:06:10Z")
You’ve got to stop storing your picnic baskets and honey pots in there! ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2019, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/11 "2019-08-04T19:35:05Z")
> [@Johnny\_Bravo](#): > > You’ve got to stop storing your picnic baskets and honey pots in there! I’m afraid they’re after my chainsaw. THAT could be a real problem. And damn if these critters aren’t smart. They always go for the latch side of the door. Try to rip off the ‘trim’ that the latches are. Since the latches are through bolted, that doesn’t work. When that doesn’t work, they try to get under the plywood from the bottom (shown in first picture). I added a 1x6 oak on top of the plywood at the bottom. :shrug: I’ve only had to replace the door 3 times in 27 years, and they never got in the shed. Well, except one time that I forgot to close it the door. THAT was a surprise for both of us. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2019, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/12 "2019-08-04T19:47:04Z")
Yeah, I steer clear if any large wildlife. I saw the cutest little Bambi-type whitetail kick a beagle about 20 ft once. As long as they or any wildlife stay outta my garden I’m cool with them. But, you’re right, no baiting. ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2019, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/13 "2019-08-06T01:21:56Z")
It could be worse. Your She-Shed could be on fire. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2019, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/14 "2019-08-06T01:57:50Z")
How about a stainless steel kick plate on the bottom of the door? I’d also mount one vertically near the latch and door jamb. You could make your own out of thicker material that would be more bear resistant. > **[Everbilt 10 in. x 34 in. Stainless Steel Kick Plate 14320 - The Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-10-in-x-34-in-Stainless-Steel-Kick-Plate-14320/204988102)** ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2019, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/15 "2019-08-06T03:51:03Z")
My brother put up nail boards on the doors of his cabin in Alaska: they’re sheets of plywood with long nails or screws driven through at intervals. The plywood is then nailed to the door frame with the pointy ends outward to discourage bears. Not a bad idea, right? Problem is, the grizzly that broke in went through the wall instead of the door; inconsiderate bastard. He/she tore the place up pretty good, chewed open the stored canned goods, took a healthy dump on the floor and then _exited_ through the door. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2019, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/16 "2019-08-08T20:33:23Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > How about a stainless steel kick plate on the bottom of the door? I’d also mount one vertically near the latch and door jamb. > > You could make your own out of thicker material that would be more bear resistant. > > [https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-10-in-x-34-in-Stainless-Steel-Kick-Plate-14320/204988102](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-10-in-x-34-in-Stainless-Steel-Kick-Plate-14320/204988102) Thought about that. I have some old street signs made of aluminum The big ass ones. I also have some galvi sheets that are pretty thick as well. I was a bit pressed for time. So I just used the oak. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2019, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/17 "2019-08-08T20:37:14Z")
**enipla** , thanks for the reminder I need to start locking my workshop door instead of just pulling it closed. Good luck with discouraging your visitor! ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2019, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/18 "2019-08-08T20:50:20Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > My brother put up nail boards on the doors of his cabin in Alaska: they’re sheets of plywood with long nails or screws driven through at intervals. The plywood is then nailed to the door frame with the pointy ends outward to discourage bears. Not a bad idea, right? > > Problem is, the grizzly that broke in went through the wall instead of the door; inconsiderate bastard. He/she tore the place up pretty good, chewed open the stored canned goods, took a healthy dump on the floor and then _exited_ through the door. Thought about nail boards as well. But they would probably snatch me before the bear. When you are ass deep in snowballs at 4am, you can forget where the door handle is. Got this from my part time neighbor up the road this morning > [@](#): > > Just a heads up… We left yesterday but my buddy is still at the house. I got this text from him this morning “Woke up this morning found truck door open and missing water bottle. Found the water bottle nearby all chewed up” It’s pretty easy to open a door on any car with a bit of a paw swipe if it hits the handle. Just pull. I suspect the water bottle was full of gateraid or something sweet. It was a long winter, and is turning into a short summer. Bears are good weather forecasters. I texted my ‘neighbor’ back that it was a good thing the keys weren’t in the ignition. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2019, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/19 "2019-08-08T20:56:04Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > **enipla** , thanks for the reminder I need to start locking my workshop door instead of just pulling it closed. Good luck with discouraging your visitor! He/She did come back. Some claw marks in the oak, but just scratched it. I need to put out some more moth balls. To my unsensitive nose, my shed smells like diesel and gear oil. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2019, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176/20 "2019-08-08T21:51:20Z")
Mr.Wrekker buys a pallet of dog feed, for his kennel of Beagles, at a time. He has all manner of varmints getting into barn and having dinner on his dime. Mothballs did absolutely nothing. An oldtimer told him to sprinkle ‘Old Spice’ cologne in a circle around his pallet. Nothing hangs around long with that assault. It’s actually worked out cheaper than moth balls. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bear-tried-to-break-into-shed-again/838176.md?page=2)