Bears are fascinating and majestic creatures but they can also be a nuisance and a danger when they become habituated to human food sources. One of the most common issues that arise when bears and humans share the same environment is bears getting into garbage cans and dumpsters in search of food.
This can lead to property damage, human-bear conflicts, and even the potential for injury to both humans and bears. However, there are steps that can be taken to prevent bears from accessing your garbage and reduce the risk of bear encounters. In this article, we will explore some effective strategies for keeping bears away from your garbage and creating a safer environment for both humans and bears.
Why Do Bears Get Into Your Garbage?
Bears have a keen sense of smell and are attracted to human food, particularly garbage, which provides an easy and convenient source of calories. As human populations continue to expand and encroach on bear habitats, the availability of natural food sources decreases, making garbage a more attractive option.
Once a bear has found a food source in a residential area, it may return repeatedly, creating a dangerous situation for both the bear and humans. Properly securing garbage and other attractants can help reduce the likelihood of bears getting into residential areas.
Keeping bears away from outdoor garbage bins requires a combination of strategies that aim to make the area unappealing to them. Here are some tips:
6 Tips to keep Bears Away from Your Garbage Cans
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Secure the bin:
Use a bear-proof garbage can with a good locking lid that is resistant to the strength and intelligence of a bear. If a bear cannot get into the bin, it will not be attracted to the smell of the garbage inside.
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Clean the bin:
Clean the garbage can regularly to remove any food odors. Strong smelling garbage can attract bears, so make sure to rinse and dry the bin after each use.
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Remove attractants:
Do not leave any food or pet food outside, and do not place meat or fish scraps in the bin. These can all attract bears. Instead, keep these items in a secure location.
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Use bear deterrents:
You can try using bear spray or other non-lethal deterrents to keep bears away from the garbage. Bear spray is a non-toxic, non-lethal repellent that can be sprayed on the garbage can, and it will repel bears without harming them.
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Make noise:
Making noise can scare bears away. Consider installing motion-activated lights or setting up a motion-activated alarm near the garbage bin. Bears are generally scared of loud noises and bright lights.
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Remove the bin:
If none of the above methods work, consider moving the bin to a more secure location or using a community dumpster that is bear-proof.
What Smells Will Deter Bears?
There are several smells that may deter bears and prevent them from approaching your property or campsite. The most effective scents are those that are strong and pungent, as bears have a keen sense of smell. Some options to consider include ammonia, vinegar, mothballs, and strong spices like cinnamon or pepper.
It’s important to note that while these scents may help deter bears, they are not foolproof and should be used in conjunction with other safety measures, such as proper food storage and bear-resistant containers. Additionally, it’s always best to avoid attracting bears in the first place by not leaving food or garbage out and being mindful of your surroundings while in bear country.
Verdict:
Remember bears are attracted to the smell of garbage, so the key is to remove any attractants and make the area unappealing to them. By using a combination of strategies, you can keep bears away from your outdoor garbage bin.
