Quick Take
- A video of a bear dragging away a large dumpster went viral online.
- Bears have been increasingly encroaching on human environments due to habitat loss and food scarcity.
- To prevent bears from rummaging through your trash, ensure proper food disposal at home and campsites.
Over the past year or so, bears have increasingly entered human neighborhoods. Driven by food shortages and habitat loss, they are turning to human waste as a food source. This scary trend has left some communities worried and has emphasized the importance of proper trash disposal. In this video by CBS News NY shows a bear actually rolling away a dumpster. Read on to learn more about why bears love our trash.
Bears view trash as a constantly refreshing food source, meaning it’s important to dispose of garbage properly.
©Sebastian_Photography/Shutterstock.com
A Bear’s Next Meal
In the video above, a bear is seen dragging away an entire dumpster. It seems like he’s trying to get inside to grab whatever food he can. This is because bears are opportunistic feeders that will eat anything they can find, including human trash. Trash is a constantly replenished source, meaning that bears learn to associate garbage with food. Over time, they may begin to lose their fear of humans and approach people more frequently. While the video is amusing, it highlights a trend that has become more common in recent years. Due to bears’ increasing comfort around humans, lack of food in their environment, and habitat loss, they are slowly encroaching on human habitats. This behavior can be dangerous, especially near campsites or residential areas. It’s important to dispose of trash properly to avoid attracting bears.
What to Do with Trash
There are a few steps you can take to make sure your trash is secure and to prevent bears from visiting. The first is to make sure your trash cans are secure by keeping bins indoors if possible, and not leaving trash out overnight. This prevents smells from reaching the sharp noses of bears. Another way to prevent bears from coming is to ensure you do not feed them in any way. To prevent bears from associating your home with a regular source of food, never leave food outside and always pick up any scraps from outdoor eating, including pet food and bird feeders.
If you’re camping or spending time outdoors, there are a few ways to stay safe as well. First, use bear canisters when camping. These specialized food storage containers help reduce scents that attract bears. Store your food far from where you plan to sleep in case a bear comes. Finally, make sure you are thorough with cleaning. Properly disposing of wrappers and food waste, as well as thoroughly cleaning BBQ areas, is essential. With these tips, you can greatly reduce your chances of encountering a bear and ensure your own safety.
