Bear Fencing Equipment Guide

Keep Bears Out: Install Electric Fencing Before It’s Too Late

Black bear activity is on the rise in Connecticut. If you think your bee yard isn’t at risk...think again! Electric fencing is no longer optional; it is a vital part of protecting your bees and your investment.

Bear damage to apiaries is devastating and preventable. A properly installed electric fence is the most effective defense you can deploy.

What You’ll Need

We recommend using Premier1 fencing supplies, a trusted source for beekeeping-specific electric fencing. Below is a materials list used at our Bee Yard in Cheshire. Note: Quantities depend on the size of your yard. The setup below supports a 110’ x 30’ yard with two gates.

Premier1 Materials List

Item# - Item Name

163900 - MaxiShock Insulated Cable, 10’

255010 - SS P Spring

256210 - RopeLink 2.6, SS for 6mm Rope

256500 - EnduraSoft 6.0, 660’

256600 - EnduraSoft 6.0, 1320’

339500 - SafeHandle

340001 - Spring for spring gate

380321 - Premier Combo Insulator

380350 - Slip Over T Post Activator

381010 - T Post Safety Cap

391510 - Reverse T-Post Insulator

328300 - Post Driver (can be found at your local Home Depot or equivalent)

327600 - 6-ft T-Posts (can be found at your local Home Depot or equivalent)

Add a Charger to Power Your Fence

To protect your hives, an electric fence must be energized. Without a properly powered pulse, the fence is just a physical barrier, and bears are persistent. The right energizer depends on your location, power access, and how often you need to move your setup.

Choose an energizer that fits your setup now but leaves room to expand later. A larger output means stronger protection and less fence maintenance.

Options to consider:

• Plug-in (AC): Ideal if your bee yard is near an outlet. These units offer strong, consistent output and are the most cost-effective long-term. However, they require indoor installation and weather protection for cords.

• Battery-Powered (DC): Great for remote yards without access to electricity. These portable units require you to recharge or swap batteries regularly, especially in cold months.

• Combination (AC/DC): The most flexible choice. These units can run on either a 110V outlet or a 12V battery, making them suitable for changing conditions or seasonal moves.

For out-of-the-way yards, solar energizers are also available. These include a built-in battery charged by a solar panel and can run for days without sunlight, but they are heavier and more expensive.

Still not sure what you need? Premier1’s team can help you size your system based on your yard layout and power options.

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Need Help with finding the right materials?

Reach Out to Premier1 for Assistance

Toll-free: 800-282-6631

Local: +1-319-653-9600

Fax: 800-346-7992 or 319-653-6304

Business Hours:

Monday–Friday: 7am–5:30pm CT (January–December)

Saturday: 8am–12 noon CT (March–August) and Closed (September–February)

Sunday: Closed

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Don’t Wait for a Bear to Find Your Hives!

Once a bear discovers your apiary, it may return again and again. Don’t take the risk. Whether you are a new or experienced beekeeper, installing a strong electric fence is one of the best investments you can make in the health and safety of your colony.