I live in the suburbs and no we never really used to have bears around too much. That's changed recently, I don't know why, but they've definitely become more of a nuisance. It's not a big deal, we just don't put trash out overnight before pick up days anymore. We put it out the morning of. And bird feeders are almost a guarantee you'll get a visit from a bear, so most people have taken theirs down. I did see one stroll up to my porch when I was drinking coffee one day, but that was before they became so common and no one really believed me I don't think lol. But no I still wouldn't call them a big problem. Just had to adjust a little when they became more numerous.