The City of Greater Sudbury reminds residents that extra steps should be taken this summer to keep household garbage away from bears. Bears will always return for a food reward. To help prevent bear sightings in your neighbourhood, follow these bear wise tips:
- Consider keeping your garbage in airtight containers inside your house, garage or shed. Place your garbage at the curb or roadside by 7 a.m. on your collection day and not the previous evening.
- Plastic garbage bags alone do not provide protection from bears, birds and other animals. Consider placing bagged refuse in an approved garbage container. Regularly washing containers with a strong smelling disinfectant can help reduce odours.
- If you do not have curbside pickup, take your household garbage to your nearest landfill on a frequent basis. Don't let household garbage accumulate anywhere near or on your property. Plywood boxes, old freezers and vehicles do not provide adequate protection from a hungry bear.
- Blue boxes can also attract bears if food containers are not properly rinsed or if blue boxes are not washed with a household cleaner.
To report nuisance bears, please contact the Bear Reporting Line at 1-866-514-BEAR (2327). To report an immediate emergency dial 9-1-1.
