Residents of Rossland who want to help prevent bear-human conflict have a new means of doing so.
The Natural Control Alternatives Society recently installed a bear-proof garbage bin for the public to use in the city.
The society’s main goal is to reduce human-wildlife conflict, and the bear-proof container does just that by making human trash inaccessible to the animals.
Located in the Rossland Museum parking lot, the bin is free to use for residents who want to dispose of household trash- though a $4 tipping fee would be most appreciated.
But it’s not necessary, says society member Scott Leyland.
“All we are concerned about is reducing habituation for bears,” he says. “This just reduces bears getting to garbage and ending up being shot.”
The organization bought the bin for $1,700, and pays for the regular pickup. It’s the third bin sponsored by the Society - it has two others in Trail.
Eventually NCAS hopes to have similar bins in Warfield, Fruitvale and Montrose.