By Dave White
WildSafe BC
As part of the City of Nelson’s efforts to reduce attractants for wildlife, the city has purchased 100 bear resistant garbage carts.
The Toter 64 gallon garbage carts, which the city is selling at cost, will hold two to three full garbage bags. The carts are tested and approved bear resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, which is a Montana- based organization that sets standards for bear products such as garbage containers, coolers, food storage containers and bear spray.
The city has co-ordinated the roll out of these carts with the sanitary staff at public works and you can leave your garbage bags in the carts until collection. This will protect your garbage from the usual suspects such as dogs, ravens, crows, skunks and raccoons, as well as the bears.
The bear carts can be purchased from the city at the public works compound at 80 Lakeside Dr., and will cost $205 per unit. As part of the city’s ongoing commitment to “Bear Smart” activities it is not restricting the sale of these bins to city residents. The city acknowledges that bears and other wild animals don’t recognize borders, and the city wants residents of the surrounding areas to also prevent these species from becoming habituated to eating human generated waste.
If you wish to discuss the proper use of your new bear cart or discuss any other issues regarding wildlife, contact me nelson@wildsafebc.com or phone at 250-505-6007. If you are experiencing a conflict with wildlife please call the Conservation Officer Service, RAPP Line at 1 (877) 952-7277.
WildSafeBC gratefully acknowledges the support of the program by the Ministry of Environment, the Columbia Basin Trust, The City of Nelson, and Areas E and F of the Regional District of the Central Kootenay.