Bears are known to be attracted to sweet smells, which is why they often go after honeybee hives and other sugary foods. Hummingbird feeders can also be appealing to bears because they typically contain sugar water. Bears will sometimes tip over hummingbird feeders or break into them in order to get to the sugar water inside.
While bears generally don’t eat hummingbirds, they may inadvertently kill them while trying to get to the sugar water.
It’s no secret that bears are attracted to sweet things. That’s why they often go after honey bee hives and other sources of sugar. So, it’s not surprising that hummingbird feeders are also on their radar.
Bears will usually only go after hummingbird feeders if there is a scarcity of other food sources. If there are plenty of berries and other natural foods available, bears will typically leave the hummingbird feeders alone.
However, if there is a drought or other conditions that lead to a lack of food, bears may start raiding hummingbird feeders in search of a quick sugar fix.
If you live in an area where bears are known to roam, it’s important to take precautions with your hummingbird feeder. One option is to hang the feeder from a wire or rope so that it can swing freely and be out of reach of curious bears.
Another option is to use a bear-resistant feeder, which is designed to keep bears from being able to access the sugar water inside.
No matter what type of feeding system you use, it’s important to clean it regularly and keep it free of mold or other contaminants that could attract bears.
By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your backyard birds can enjoy their sugary treat without becoming bear bait!

How Can I Keep the Bears off My Hummingbird Feeder?
If you live in an area with bears, it’s significant to take steps to keep them away from your hummingbird feeder. Bears are attracted to the sugar water in hummingbird feeders, and if they get into the habit of visiting your feeder, they can become a nuisance.
Here are a few tips for keeping bears away from your hummingbird feeder:
- Hang your feeder from a strong wire or chain that is at least 10 feet off the ground.
- Keep your hummingbird feeder clean and free of leaks or drips. Bears are attracted to sweet smells, so a leaky or dirty feeder will be more likely to attract them.
- Don’t put out any other food source near your hummingbird feeders, such as bird seed or fruit. Bears will be attracted to these items as well, and it will just give them another reason to visit your home.
By following these simple tips, you can help keep bears away from your hummingbird feeder and enjoy watching these beautiful creatures without worry!
Can Bears Smell Hummingbird Feeders?
Yes, bears can smell hummingbird feeders. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can detect odors from far away.
If there is a hummingbird feeder in the vicinity, chances are that a bear will be able to smell it and may be attracted to the area.
Bears are known to raid bird feeders in search of food, so it is important to take precautions if you live in an area where bears are present.
What Animals Go After Hummingbird Feeders?
One of the most iconic images of summer is a beautiful hummingbird hovering near a feeder, sipping nectar. But what many people don’t realize is that these little birds are actually quite fierce when it comes to protecting their food source.
In fact, they will often chase away much larger birds, such as hawks and crows.
So, if you’re wondering what animals go after hummingbird feeders, the answer is basically any bird that isn’t a hummingbird! This includes everything from sparrows and finches to jays and woodpeckers.
Even squirrels have been known to take a sip or two of nectar if they can get past the hummers!
Of course, not all non-hummingbirds are created equal in the eyes of these tiny terrors. Some birds, like orioles and grosbeaks, are actually welcomed at most feeders because they tend to eat insects rather than nectar.
So, if you’re having trouble with pesky critters raiding your feeder, you might want to try attracting some of these helpful birds instead.
How Do You Get Bird Feeders Without Attracting Bears?
One of the main ways to avoid attracting bears with your bird feeder is to hang the feeder from a wire or rope at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from any trees, shrubs, or other objects that a bear could climb on.
You should also clean up any spilled seed around the feeder on a regular basis. It’s also important to choose a bear-resistant bird feeder, which has been tested and approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.
How Do You Feed Birds Without Attracting Bears?
Bears are attracted to bird feeders for the same reason that birds are—they’re looking for an easy meal. To avoid attracting bears, follow these simple tips:
- Keep your bird feeder clean and free of moldy or old seeds. Bears can smell food from a distance, so if your feeder is full of tasty treats, they’ll be sure to find it.
- Don’t leave food out overnight. Bears are nocturnal creatures and will often raid bird feeders during the night in search of a snack.
- Place your bird feeder in a location that is difficult for bears to access. If possible, put it up high on a pole or in a tree where bears can’t reach it.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy watching birds at your feeder without attracting unwanted guests!
Conclusion
Bears are known to be attracted to sweet smells, so it’s no surprise that they would be interested in hummingbird feeders. However, there are a few things you can do to deter them from going after your feeder.
Bears have a strong sense of smell, so keeping your feeder clean and free of any spilled nectar will help.
You can also try hanging your feeder from a wire or pole instead of attaching it directly to your house. This will make it more difficult for bears to reach and will also give them a better view of the surroundings, which may scare them off.