Learn how to be bear wise at home to prevent encounters. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
It’s Fall, and the bears are busy getting ready for their long winter slumber. Be BearWise at home to prevent encounters.
Trash & Recycling:
- All trash containers are cleaned often to reduce odors.
- Recycling is rinsed out and clean.
- Bear-resistant trash containers are always closed and latched.
If containers are not bear-resistant:
- Regular trash cans are stored inside a sturdy, locked building or bear-resistant enclosure.
- Garbage is put out the morning of pick up (not the night before).
Around Homes and Outbuildings:
- Doors and windows in houses and outbuildings should be kept closed and locked, especially at night or when people are not home. Pay special attention to sliding glass, inward-swinging, French, and doors with lever handles.
- Crawl spaces and small openings under your home and other buildings need to be barricaded before hibernation.
- Refrigerators and freezers are kept inside sturdy, locked buildings.
- Attractants are not stored on upper-level balconies or decks that bears can reach by climbing stairs, trees, or deck posts. Garage doors are kept closed.
- Coolers with food and drinks are not stored on the porch, patio, deck, or in a vehicle.
- Pet doors are locked at night.
BBQ Grills and Smokers:
- Grills and smokers should be stored inside when not in use.
If not:
- Drip pans and grates are cleaned after every use.
- Grills and smokers should be kept covered.
- Utensils are stored indoors.
- Food is not left unattended when cooking or eating outdoors.
To learn more about living with large predators, click here.