Complaint:

A bear getting into the garbage and hanging around.

Evaluation:

Upon inspection it was found that the residents garbage was not secure, and several areas had heavy amounts of trash lying about. A resident stated a cub was on the car port one evening, other residents stated a bear walked through their yard. Several resident threatened to shoot the bears or bear in question.  One resident stated her son is camping out to shoot the bear and has missed it once already.

Evaluation conclusion:

All residents were advised to keep garbage in a bear secure area and all attractants removed. Also they were advised that causing harm to a threatened species is a criminal offense, punishable by fine and or jail. An area info session has been given and an area garbage hot wire system is being installed. Several residents are under surveillance for potential illegal activity.

Complaint:

Bears getting into the garbage and scaring people.

The introduction statement from the association manager was “this is a retirement community and these residents have worked hard their whole life and should not have to get up early to put their trash out on the day of pick up”.

Garbage containers were in every car port or on the side if the home. Many residents had bird feeders and squirrel feeders hanging in the yard also. Residents stated they were afraid the bear would kill them so they stopped walking.

Evaluation Conclusion:

The residents were asked to keep all garbage inside or a bear secure area as well as taking bird feeders down. Also they were given bear information and an area info session was scheduled at their convenience which was March.

This 500+ home development was built recently in a major bear area.