Video screenshots of bear activity near residential roll carts. Courtesy/Leslie Bucklin.
Video screenshots of bear activity near residential roll carts. Courtesy/Leslie Bucklin.
COUNTY News:
Bears are curious and will follow their powerful noses to just about anything with an odor (it doesn’t have to be a good odor). Bears may also investigate anything they’ve learned can yield a food reward: garbage, birdseed, pet food, chickens, beehives…you get the idea.
Follow these top three tips to help address what attracts bears to your home and property:
- Trash, Recycling
- Request a Bear-resistant roll cart, and always keep it closed and latched.
- Clean all trash containers to reduce odors.
- Keep recycling rinsed out and clean.
- If containers are not bear-resistant:
- Keep regular trash cans stored inside a sturdy locked building or bear- resistant enclosure.
- Only put garbage out on the morning of pick up (not the night before).
- Feeding Pets, Strays, and Wildlife
- NEVER put food out for stray animals or wildlife. Ordinance 02-373 prohibits the feeding of wild animals on both public and private property within the County’s incorporated boundaries.
- Feed your pets indoors.
- If you must feed pets outside:
- Feed pets in single portions; removed bowls and clean the feeding area as soon as pets have eaten.
- Keep pet food stored in a sturdy locked building or bear-resistant containers.
- BBQ Grills, Smokers
- If possible, store grills and/or smoker inside when not in use.
- If not:
- Ensure drip pans and grates are cleaned after every use.
- Keep grills/smokers covered.
- Store all utensils indoors.
- Ensure food is not left unattended when cooking or eating outdoors.
