Any food reward – from a bird feeder full of tasty seeds or sugar water to a bowl of dog food on the deck to the contents of an overturned trash can – teaches bears to approach people.
The best way to eliminate attractants like food and trash is through an ordinance requiring that all trash be stored securely or in a certified bear-resistant container. This ordinance will not only save the lives of the people who live and recreate in Fremont County but will also prevent the tragic killing of our precious wildlife when they become habituated to human food.
Island Park has an ordinance that requires all residential properties to use IGBC-certified bear-resistant garbage containers or only place non-certified trash containers outdoors during select hours on the day of trash pickup. The non-certified containers must be resecured and stored inside an enclosed building or a bear-resistant enclosure. Many homes and short-term rentals in Island Park do not fall within city limits, which is why Fremont County needs to enact a bear-resistant container ordinance.
Island Park City Ordinance
