The best time to take care of them is in the fall, during hunting season.

With the decrease in hunting pressure, the urbanization of the forests, and the loss of habitat, you have larger numbers of bears in populated areas. Abnd having recently emerged from hibernation, they are hungry.

Protect small areas ... just the vegetable garden and the livestock. DIY electric fencing is not expensive.

http://www.bearsmart.com/live/bear-deterrents/ 

It also involves learning enough to know that it’s okay to be ‘top dog’
to a bears. It doesn’t ‘insult’ a bear to be put in its place; this
happens to them most days with other bears, already. Not letting a bear
graze in your front yard isn’t ‘harassing’ it; it is merely asserting
your personal space, something bears totally understand. You don’t have
to like bears to do these things; understanding these simple principles
can help keep them out of your way, as well as saving their lives."

Residents who are receiving nocturnal visits from bears may be advised
to install motion sensitive outdoor lights. Ensure the lights are very
bright and are aimed outward from the building, so that the light is
shining directly at the approaching animal – this often makes animals
feel less secure than when under the cover of darkness.

https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/how-bear-proof-your-property/