Over the past several years, the City of Leavenworth has partnered with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and other local agencies in an effort to become a BearWise® community. BearWise is a nationwide program that provides information and practical solutions so businesses and communities can live responsibly alongside black bears.
According to WDFW, black bears have become increasingly active around the city lately, often due to human-provided attractants that interfere with a bear’s natural behavior. Some of you may have already received a warning notice from WDFW’s Enforcement regarding unsecured trash.
As bears are rewarded with easy-to-find meals, they continue moving further into neighborhoods, increasing the risk of potential conflicts with humans. Here’s what you can do to help:
- Keep your trash container in an enclosed garage or shed until pickup day. All trash receptacles that are not bear resistant should be secured in a building or structure that is inaccessible to wildlife and put out the morning of your trash pickup service no sooner than 4:00 AM, not the night before.
- If inside storage or a bear-resistant container is not feasible for you, there are ‘metal claw’ strap products (i.e., no drilling) available for purchase online that will secure your trash container. Please remember that all straps must be removed by residents on trash pickup days before Waste Management arrives.
- Remove or secure attractants, including pet food, bird seed, and outdoor food waste. Removing attractants is the best way to encourage bears to focus on natural food sources and reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflict.
- Do not feed bears – intentionally or unintentionally. In Washington State, feeding or negligently attracting black bears is illegal under RCW 77.15.790. Violations can result in fines of up to $1,025.
- Consider composting with Winton MFG Compost Works. Winton’s residential composting program utilizes bear-resistant containers. Composting can help remove attractants like food waste from your trash (making it less attractive to black bears). Learn more at wintonmfg.com.
Need a bear-resistant trash container for your home? Contact Waste Management at 1-877-466-4668 or wmnorthwest.com/leavenworth.
Please do your part by securing your trash, removing attractants, and encouraging your neighbors to do the same. Together, we can help keep Leavenworth safe for both residents and black bears. For more tips and resources, visit wdfw.wa.gov/blackbears.
Thank you for your cooperation and support in becoming a BearWise community.
