Sparwood is taking a big step forward in mitigating human/wildlife conflict and setting a precedent for other rural B.C. communities by providing residents with certified bear resistant carts.

A total of 1,700 certified bear resistant carts will be delivered to all residents in Sparwood this week with the new automated garbage collection system starting today, September 4.

There is no such thing as a 100% bear proof container.  The carts are bear-resistant, reinforced with metal and latches,   meaning they have been designed and tested to make it difficult for bears to access the garbage inside.

When storing the garbage container, residents will need to ensure that their cart is locked and is in a secure and safe location as to prevent bears and other wildlife from removing or damaging the cart from private property. This can be done by storing the cart indoors in a secure location between collection days during bear season (April to November).

In the rare case that they cannot be kept inside a building, both clips must be locked, and the cart may need to be chained to a secure anchor point such as a strong railing or post, so the bear cannot drag the cart away.

As always, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to prevent dangerous wildlife from access unnatural food on their property, (BC wildlife Act, Section 33.1).

WildSafeBC Elk Valley

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