Attractants

Ways to Secure Attractants From Bears

Here are some ways to properly secure your trash and help reducing frequent bear visits to residential areas.

• Put trashcans curbside on the morning of pickup, not the night before.
• Add hardware to your existing, sturdy trashcan to make it more bear-resistant.
• Protect gardens, apiaries, compost and livestock with electric fencing.
• Encourage your homeowners association or local government to institute ordinances on keeping foods that attract wildlife secure.
• Feed pets indoors or bring in dishes after feeding.
• Clean grills and store them in a locked, secure place (e.g. sturdy shed, closed garage).
• Remove bird feeders or hang them at least 10 feet above the ground and 10 feet away from trees or structures.
• Remove wildlife feeders or make them bear-resistant.
• Pick ripe fruit from trees and remove fallen fruit from the ground.
• Screened enclosures ARE NOT SECURE and WILL NOT keep bears out.
• Inquire whether local waste service providers offer bear-resistant trash cans or dumpsters.  
• If your waste service provider does not offer bear-resistant trash cans, you could purchase your own wildlife-resistant container or dumpster. Before purchasing a bear-resistant container, be sure to check with your waste service provider to ensure they will service it.
• Build a bear-resistant shed to store your trash can until it is ready for pickup. We have three designs to choose from: two cans, single can – slated, and single can – enclosed. 

Making these changes around your home and encouraging your neighbors to do the same will discourage bears from associating your community with an easy food source. It is illegal to intentionally place food or garbage out that attracts bears and causes conflicts . Anything that attracts dogs, cats or raccoons will attract bears, too!

If you see or suspect that someone is feeding or attracting bears please call us at our Wildlife Alert Hotline - 888-404-3922 – or contact us online.