With two bears shot and killed in my neighborhood last week, I’m reminded of the fragile balance of living so close to nature.  Did you know that bears have an amazing sense of smell?  They can smell garbage from great distances and once they learn that garbage means food, they’ll keep returning to eat.  Because human odour is on the garbage they learn to associate people with food. Like the case of the woman that got mauled (while gardening) in my city last week, bears may become aggressive, expecting food when they see or smell people. Here are some tips for discouraging bears at your home.

Garbage should stay inside until pick-up.  Occasionally wash bins and empty cans and jars that are waiting to be picked up in the recycling box.

Did you know that bears are attracted to petroleum products such as paint, kerosene, and turpentine?  Put these products away.

Backyard composts should be sprinkled with lime to decrease the odor.  Actually, if your compost stinks, you’re doing something wrong.  You can turn your compost with leaves, lime and soil to further reduce odours. Unrinsed eggshells, fish, meat, fat, oils, or cooked foods should not be composted in summer or fall. 

Pick fruit daily from fruit trees on your property.  Don’t allow a large amount of dropped fruit to accumulate on the ground. 

Keep your BBQ equipment debris and grease free after use.

Feed pets indoors and between April and November remove bird feeders.

Don’t store food in outdoor freezers or coolers.