Remember that bears are very inquisitive and have a strong sense of smell.

Garbage

• Put your garbage at curbside on the morning of pick-up only.
• Store your garbage bins in the house, in a garage or in a bear-resistant container.
• Clean your garbage bins on a regular basis with a bleach, ammonia or vinegar solution.
• Freeze the skin, bones and leftovers of fish and meat and the packaging until the morning of garbage pickup.
• Consider modifying your Schaeffer bin if you use one. (See Photo Gallery - Attractants for information.)
• Plan to purchase a bear-resistant bin. Watch our website (News column) for information about where and when these containers are available on the North Shore for purchase.

Most bear sightings in 2008 were a result of accessible garbage. 

 

 

Fruit trees. Pick fruit as it ripens and keep the ground clear of fallen fruit. Excess fruit can be offered to neighbours and friends or donated to the Edible Garden Project (ediblegardenproject.com) or the Harvest Project (harvestproject.org). If animals are getting to your fruit before you are able to harvest it, consider cutting it down and replacing it with an ornamental tree.

 

Bird feeders. Some people make their birdfeeders inaccessible to bears while others feed only small amounts of high quality seed at a time. Other residents choose to take down bird feeders during bear season as there is plenty of natural food for birds at that time. Some people attract birds by providing a flower garden, bird bath, dusting site, or nesting boxes.

Compost. A healthy compost requires equal proportions of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. Greens include fruits and vegetable scraps, fresh grass clippings, plant trimmings, coffee grounds and tea bags. Brown materials include fallen leaves, sawdust, torn up paper egg cartons, rolls from toilet paper and paper towels, paper towels, napkins and coffee filters. Eggshells that have been washed well and crushed can also be added.

 

It is important to add oxygen to the compost by poking deep holes throughout with a long stick.

 

Subsidized backyard compost bins can be purchased for $45 at the North Shore Recycling Drop-off Depot, 29 Riverside Drive; cheque or money orders accepted.

 

Questions about composting can be answered on the Compost Hotline - 604.736.2250.

 

Check out www.gardensmart.ca for information about a series of workshops being offered this year and natural garden parties that you can book for you and your neighbours. These informative and practical workshops and garden parties are offered at no charge.

 

Food left outside. Pet food, fridges and freezers are bear attractants and should not be stored outdoors.

Barbecues. Remember to clean your barbecue after each use by burning it on high for 10 minutes and scraping off any food from the grill. It is important to remove the grease container and take it indoors to empty and clean after each use.