The Killington community needs to take extra steps now to prevent bear conflicts from getting worse this spring, Vermont Fish and Wildlife said in a public service announcement.
The department has been getting reports from Killington residents of bears getting into garbage and becoming bolder over the past few weeks.
“Now that bears know about garbage as a food source in your community, you will need to take precautions to prevent them from gaining additional food rewards and continuing to visit your neighborhood,” the department said in a press release. “”Simply tying down your garbage can lid will not be enough to stop this behavior. The best option is to either invest in a bear-resistant garbage can or make your garbage bear proof.
“We also ask that you wait until the morning of trash pickup to put your garbage cans out for collection. The less time your garbage is out, the less time bears will have to find it and reinforce their association between your neighborhood and easy food sources.”
To read a complete list of our steps for living in bear country, visit the website at vtfishandwildlife.com/learn-more/living-with-wildlife/living-with-black-bears
Following these steps can save bears’ lives and help protect you, your neighbors, and your property. Please do your part to be a good neighbor and help keep Vermont’s bears wild!
If you have questions, contact the Vermont Fish and Wildlife department at 802-828-1000 or fwinformation@vermont.gov, and report bear incidents at anrweb.vt.gov/FWD/FW/WildlifeBearReport.aspx.
