LIVING WITH BEARS

I Hunting in Bear Country I Bears in Your Neighborhood I Bears at Your Campsite I Bears at Your Deer Feeder I
I Bears at Your Beehive I Bears at Your Crops or Livestock Pens I Bears and Roads I Bears and Garbage I
I Feeding Bears I Management of Nuisance Bear Behavior I Aversive Conditioning I Encounters with Bears I

Garbage management is an integral part of avoiding conflicts with bears. Bears that obtain meals regularly from landfills may soon become a nuisance because they depend on man for their food and lose fear of humans. “Garbage dump” bears can begin feeding in dumpsters and residential garbage cans when landfills and dumps no longer supply a dependable source of food. These bears are more likely to be removed from the population because this undesirable behavior is very difficult to change.

Landfills located in occupied habitat should be managed to discourage bears from using them as a food source. When possible, the perimeter of landfills should be enclosed within bear-resistant fences. Additionally, landfill operators should maintain a small face of exposed garbage and completely cover it with a deep layer of dirt. This reduces odors and makes it difficult for bears to feed. An aversive conditioning program to deter bears, developed with the assistance of the BBCC Conflict Management Team, should be implemented by landfill operators should problems occur.

Homeowners and campers in or near occupied bear habitat should avoid attracting bears by dumping wastes in closed containers located away from their homes or campsites. Discarded food wrappers, including candy bars, soft drink cans and pastry wrappings, are attractants and should not be thrown on the ground. The best thing to do is what not to do: DON'T LITTER!

Efforts should be made to secure all garbage containers or deposit all edible wastes in separate containers that are stored where bears cannot gain access. When possible, residents in bear habitat should keep their garbage inside their home or closed utility shed in double-bagged garbage bags and put garbage out the morning of pick up, not the night before, to limit the time a bear will have access to your garbage. To further eliminate attractive odors, wash the refuse containers about once a week with a disinfectant solution. In areas where garbage pick up is early in the morning, state wildlife agencies can work with local communities and waste management companies to schedule later pick up times to allow for this preventive measure. Bear resistant garbage cans are another alternative; however, these are somewhat expensive for individuals to purchase. Contact your state wildlife agency or the BBCC to for availability of bear-resistant garbage cans.