Bears Create a Potentially Dangerous Mess

With more and more people choosing to live in forest lands and other regions where wildlife abounds, human and animal interaction is bound to rise.  The meeting place between these two groups often centers around the trash cans where food waste and other garbage gets stored before disposal.  Attracted by the smell, animals will rummage through the containers searching for a free meal.

The media seems to take delight in showing bears roaming through neighborhoods in search of things to eat, but bears are large and potentially dangerous wild animals.  You certainly do not want to encounter one on your porch when you want to put something in the trash can.  Raccoons are another culprit often guilty of raiding trash cans for food.  Do not be fooled by their cute appearance and mischievous behavior.  Raccoons have sharp teeth and claws, and they are prone to bite and scratch when disturbed.

The National Forest and Park Service have long recognized the dangers inherent in wild animals getting into trash cans in search of food.  They place wild animals and people in close proximity in ways that pose dangers to both.  Animals can quickly become habituated to these easy handouts.  They can end up becoming such a nuisance that they must be destroyed for public safety.  The food that is contained within trash cans seldom resembles the sort of food items that comprise the animal’s normal diet.  Eating garbage can sicken animals, make them more susceptible to disease, and lessen their ability to forage for food on their own.

Bear Proof Trash Cans do the Job

The National Park Service took the lead in designing sturdy metal trash cans that bears could not get into.  Until the late 60’s, garbage sites within the park were often seen as attractive spots to view bears and other wildlife. Yosemite National Park for instance, even set up benches around its main garbage heap so people would be able to watch groups of bears foraging for food among the trash.  Now all trash is stored securely in reinforced containers that bears are not able to get into.  Campers are warned to store all food in metal storage bins provided at all camp sites to keep bears from raiding food supplies.

Home owners may purchase these types of containers for their own use.  They may also opt to continue using regular cans, but to store these cans inside a shed or garage to make them inaccessible and keep them out of sight.

Bright lights will also help keep animals away from trash containers.  The smells that attract wild life can be reduced by rinsing out any food containers that are to be tossed into trash cans.

It helps to wash trash cans regularly to reduce the odors they emit.  Use a solution of water and detergent, disinfectant, bleach or white vinegar.  Spray your trash can occasionally with ammonia.  This will overpower the smell of food waste and help keep bears, raccoons, and other wild animals from attempting to raid your trash cans for food.