Residents will find it best to store garbage in steel bear- proof containers if possible. Do not store garbage in old fridges or freezers as bears learn to knock them over to access their contents. Alternatively, store garbage in airtight containers inside a storage area that is not accessible to bears.

Garbage for pick-up should be put out on the morning of collection and not the night before. Keep meat scraps in your freezer until garbage pick- up day. Wash garbage containers and dumpsters frequently. Use lime to cut odours. Do not feed other wildlife as you may attract bears. If you feed birds, fill feeders only in late fall and empty them after mid- April when bears come out of their dens. Do not leave pet food outdoors at night. Clean up outdoor grills after use. Pick all ripe fruit off trees, and remove vegetables and fallen fruit from the ground. Do not put meat, fish or sweet food in your composter. Rinse containers before disposal and recycling. Use electric fencing to protect valuable trees, orchards, beehives and vegetable and berry patches.

Campsites

Keep your campsite clean, and don’t burn food scraps or fat drippings in the fire. Do not cook, eat or store food in your tent. Keep food in the trunk of a vehicle, or hang your food pack at least 4 m off the ground between two trees well away from the campsite. Be alert for bears and signs of bear activity as they may have been attracted by previous campers. Remember that even though an attractant to bears has been removed, it may take several days for a bear to stop visiting a particular area.

Credits: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Dr. Martyn Obbard. Photography – Bear With Us.