Bears are getting into trash in Garco
Problem Summary
In unincorporated Garfield County Colorado there are no restrictions on what type of container you keep trash in. Because of this we are seeing more bears getting into trash. The Carbondale city council has addressed this as a problem because even though the city has restrictions, some places in carbondale lie outside of these limits, still can get away with not locking up their garbage. Last year during spring the city of Glenwood Springs passed an ordinance making it unlawful "for any person, place of business or occupant of premises within the city to store or permit the accumulations of garbage, refuse or trash, including recyclables, that is attractive to or edible by animals or wildlife.” This ordinance had a fine 50-500$ unless you can prove a purchase of a bear proof container. This works well inside of city limits, but there are still many residents living on the outskirts.
The problem with bear proof containers is funding them. A 64 gallon base bear proof container will cost you upwards of $200. The larger bear proof can (96 gallon) is $300. The trash companies around the county are privately owned and operated. Because of this, the regulations on trash cans is close to none. Mountain waste, a local private trash company already offers to provide either a 64 gallon or 96 gallon regular container. The company claims to provide bear proof dumpsters for areas that require it. Waste Management will lease you a bear resistant container for a small fee every month.
“Bears getting into the trash is just the beginning of the problem” says John Groves of the Colorado Department of Wildlife. When John had came into our class to discuss the bear problem we realized that once the bears have found food in an area, they will keep coming back. This creates a new problem with bears trying to gain access to a house. Once the bear knows it has a food source it will not stop coming back to find more. When bears become a problem for people they usually end up being euthanized.
Garfield County has no restrictions on what trash cans can be used. Without there being a repercussion, very few people will actually go out and purchase a bear proof container. The DOW has brought up the issue many times to the county manager. DOW employees and volunteers continue to work to educate residents and businesses in areas outside city limits, including at campgrounds. ”Bears are going to find themselves on the property. We don’t want to create an environment that’s going to make them come back again and again.” (Groves)
Restrictions on types of trash cans will positively affect our community. We will see a decrease in the total number of bear interactions and euthanization if we can find a way to enforce and fund the use of bear proof cans, both inside city limits, and within the 3 mile development radius. If we don't address this problem soon enough, we will continue to attract bears into residential and business areas naturally. As Groves says “We don’t like killing bears … but we have to be more concerned about public safety”.
