photos by Chad Lundquist/Nevada Appeal Nevada Appeal photographer Chad Lundquist was on his way to work Tuesday morning when he came across a large black bear raiding a trash can and quenching his thirst from a leftover bottle of Pepsi. Trash from Memorial Day weekend had been left out for pick-up on Tuesday near Stateline.
It is illegal throughout Lake Tahoe to provide food to bears by leaving out trash.
Repeat violators are forced to purchase a bear-proof metal container, which can cost $1,200.
In the Kingsbury area a few years back, several neighbors successfully sued a neighbor who was providing food to bears after the animals began breaking into homes and damaging property.
Residents are also starting to get the word that they can solve bear problems in an inexpensive way, according to BEAR League Executive Director Ann Bryant.
A new type of trash can available for about $70 has proven its bear-proof attributes in Tahoe after going into use in 2005, Bryant said. Those who use the containers can avoid a citation that requires them to buy the more expensive enclosures.
See the video:
https://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20070530/VIDEO/70530004
For information about bear-proof garbage bins contact the BEAR League by calling (530) 525-PAWS (7297) or visit online at www.savebears.org.
Tips for bear-proofing your home
• Never Feed the Bears! Not Ever! Report any neighbors or visitors who are doing so to the BEAR League.
• Make birdfeeders inaccessible to bears or take them down.
• Do not leave accessible windows or doors open. Screens are not bear proof.
• Be sure your doors are solid wood or metal and install and use heavy deadbolts.
• Spray PineSol on window and door casings to mask food odors coming from inside. Repeat often.
• Check out deterrents at www.rexplus.com and think seriously about getting a motion activated barking dog device.
• Replace single-pane windows with double-pane.
• If your house is not permanently occupied (if it is a vacation home) it is highly recommended that all food be removed between visits or rentals and while the house is unoccupied. Bears smell spices, teas, and other food through the walls and normal bear instinct dictates that they use their claws, teeth and incredible strength to get at it.
• Securely block access to under-house crawl spaces.
• Leave lights and radio or TV on when not at home.
• Do not use DeCon. It attracts bears.
• Don't leave any garbage near the house.
• Don't leave pet food outside and don't feed pets outside.
• Don't leave food in cars. Roll up windows and lock doors.
• Don't talk nicely to bears who come near your house. Make them think you will harm them. Be aggressive with them.
• Use a paintball gun to scare a bear if he comes into your yard. • Yell or blow a boat horn to let the bear know he's unwelcome in your yard. When he turns to run throw a rock at him.
• Be dominant, not submissive, if a bear comes onto your property.
Source: BEAR League of Lake Tahoe