FAQ

General Questions

How effective are electric deterrent systems at deterring bears?

Here is trailcam footage of Bearwatch Systems electric fence stopping a large grizzly bear.

Chris Morgan, bear ecologist, award-winning conservationist and wildlife filmmaker, advocates the use of portable electric fences as a simple precaution saying, "Wet noses and electric fences don't mix well." Watch the video to see what happens when a grizzly bear comes in contact with electrified wire.

Tom S. Smith, Ph.D., Research Ecologist - Bears, USGS – Alaska Science Center, who has spent many days and nights with bears in the wild says, “Remember, most bears that approach your camp or gear are curious, but alert, as they approach. Once the bear gets jolted it will usually huff, bawl and run quickly away. Over the past decade, I have tested many fences in many settings - all of them thick with bears - and have never had an electric fence fail to keep bears out.”

Rachel Forbes, executive director of the Grizzly Bear Foundation, states, "Portable electric fences are another recommendation for hikers and backcountry campers." Further, Thomas Reissmann, director of The Grizzly Truth, says, "'...what can we do in order to reduce human-bear conflict because a lot of times these bears that get caught up in that conflict get captured and destroyed. It’s an important part of saving bear lives too.' He suggests people protect themselves in bear country with bear bells, bear spray and portable electric fences." Read the full article here.

Do I still need to follow other bear smart precautions if I’m using Bearwatch?

Yes. Bearwatch Systems electric fences are intended to reduce the risk of wildlife encounters, not eliminate it. It is only one component of taking proper precautions for bear safety. You should still always follow all guidelines to avoid attracting wildlife into your camp in the first place. Check with your local government body for further guidelines when camping in bear country.

What happens if someone touches the electrified wire?

Safety is always a concern when using electrified equipment. The electricity is not continuous like an outlet in your wall. It is like a stronger static electric shock that is pulsed approximately every 1.3 seconds. Energizers are specifically designed with this safety feature so that animals and people have time to move away once they receive an initial shock. If someone touches the wire, they will feel an unpleasant shock so caution should be used, just like when handling bear spray.

Can I use the system in the rain?

The Systems are designed to be used in the rain. The energizer is weather resistant but should not be placed in standing water.

Bearwatch Systems vs other electric fences

Why Choose Bearwatch Systems?

In addition to its lightweight and ease of use, our systems boasts several key features that set it apart. These include:

Included Fence Voltage Tester
An energizer with a great combination of shock strength and battery runtime, featuring fast and slow settings for battery preservation
Compatibility with a USB power bank using our special USB to 12V adapter
A low battery alarm that lets you know you when batteries need replacing
No tools required for setup
A water-resistant energizer, allowing for use in the rain
Special design insulator clips for easy setup in bright orange color
Compact, foldable three-section lightweight aluminum poles
Excellent Customer Service
5 - Star Customer reviews on Google (you can read more reviews here)

Perimeter Sizing

What perimeter electric fences do you offer?

We offer 5 different fences to fit your adventures:

Standard Ultralight - perfect for an ultralight backpacker
4 pole 20 x 20 ft (6.1 x 6.1 m) - 80 ft (24.4 m) total perimeter around
Standard - perfect for a lightweight backpacker
4 pole 20 x 20 ft (6.1 x 6.1 m) - 80 ft (24.4 m) total perimeter around
Standard Plus - perfect for larger tents
4 pole 25 x 25 ft (7.6 x 7.6 m) - 100 ft (30.5 m) total perimeter around
6 Pole - perfect for small groups
6 pole hexagon or 20 x 40 ft (6.1 x 12.2 m) rectangle - 120 ft (36.6 m) total perimeter around
8 Pole - perfect for large camps, overlanding and wall tents
8 pole 40 x 40 ft (12.2 x 12.2 m) - 160 ft (48.8 m) total perimeter around

Compare the fence systems.

If you require a larger size or a 5-wire system (instead of 3), we can customize. Contact us with your requirement here.

What size perimeter do I need?

We recommend there is 6 feet (2 meters) of clearance between the fence and your tent including guylines and your gear. The minimum amount of clearance should be no less than 3 feet (1 meter). If you plan to surround your vehicle, such as with an overlanding setup, the clearance should be with the doors of your vehicle open.

Shipping

What are your shipping options and delivery times?

We have put in maximum effort to ensure that your orders are processed and shipped with greater speed. All orders are generally processed the same or next business day.

For the fastest delivery, please make sure to place your Premium and Express orders before 12:00 PM PT. In the event that Premium and Express orders are placed after 12:00 PM PT, they will require an extra business day for processing.

Please note that all shipping times are estimates and not guaranteed. Remote locations may take longer to arrive. It is possible that UPS shipping options may not be accessible in all areas, in this case the orders will be shipped via Canada Post in Canada and USPS to the United States.

A tracking number is provided with all shipping options. You will receive an email with a shipment tracking number once your order has been processed.

Duties are included in the shipping for all shipments to the United States.

We offer Canada Post and USPS option if you wish to ship to a PO Box. Please select PO Box Shipping as your shipping option at checkout.

For Shipment within Canada and to the United States:

Ground (UPS Standard) 3-5 business days
Premium (UPS Worldwide Expedited) 2-3 business days
Express (UPS Express Saver) 1-2 business days
PO Box Shipping (Canada Post Expedited) 3-7 business days

Shipping rates will be calculated at check out based on your order.

Do you ship internationally?

We do offer international shipping outside of Canada and the USA. A tracking number is provided with all shipping options. The shipping options are available at check out based on the country where you are shipping to.

If you don't see your country at check out, contact us at info@bearwatchsystems.com

Do you offer a Local Pickup?

We now offer a Local Pickup option in North Vancouver, BC. The pickup option will be available at check out.

We will send you a "Ready for Pick Up" email as soon as your order is ready to be picked up. Orders take 1-2 business days to prepare.

Pick up times: Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5 PM

Pick up location: 224 Esplanade West (5th Floor), North Vancouver, BC

Warranty & Returns

Do you offer returns or exchanges?

Each Bearwatch Systems electric fence comes with a satisfaction guarantee!

If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, please email us at info@bearwatchsystems.com within 14 days from the delivery date for instructions on how to return Bearwatch Systems electric fence for a full refund or exchange. Returns must be in original unused condition.

If your item is broken or defective, please email us within 2 days from the delivery date at info@bearwatchsystems.com so we can make it right!

Is there a warranty?

Bearwatch Systems electric fences come with a 1-year limited warranty. If you require more details or have further questions, please email us at info@bearwatchsystems.comor refer to your user manual.