Scene this morning from bear overnight dismantling an unsecured trash can at a local playlot. Courtesy/Katie Bruell

By KATIE BRUELL
Los Alamos

Dear Los Alamos County,

Have you heard the phrase, “a fed bear is a dead bear?” I’m guessing yes, which is why I don’t understand how you persist in attracting the bears out of the canyon into our playlots with unsecured trash.

We citizens are doing our part by getting bear safe trash cans, keeping our trash inside our garages (if we have them) not feeding our pets outside, and doing all the other things your utility bill inserts ask us to. But it doesn’t matter when the County continues to invite bears into our neighborhoods by way of the playlot trash cans.

Last night as I was lying in bed, listening to my dog lose her mind (from inside) at the bears slowly wandering up our residential street, I knew I’d find this morning the same thing I found yesterday morning (and so many other mornings for years) – the trash can in the playlot dismantled, bits of small and large trash scattered everywhere, and blowing all over in the wind. 

I’ve written to County Council about this. I’ve called Parks and Rec. I generally think the County staff and government do a great job. But I don’t understand why this issue has been allowed to go on and on for years without being addressed. Please, County, do what you ask us all to do, and secure your trash from bears!

Thank you.