Bear activity prompts reminder to secure trash cans

The Whitefish Police Department is reminding folks to keep their trash cans put away until the day of collection to keep bears from getting into them.

Fall is just around the corner which means the bears will be fattening up for their long winter sleep. Things that attract bears include fruit dropped from trees, pet food, fertilizers and especially trash cans.

Whitefish city ordinance requires that homeowners who have individual trash cans assigned to their residence must secure the garbage can in an enclosure that is secure from animals or they must have an animal resistant container. Additionally, garbage cans are to be taken to the curb for pick up no earlier than 4 a.m. the day of collection and must be taken back to the residence by 7 p.m. the same day.

Trash cans can not remain at the curb.

Police Chief Bill Dial said officers will be patrolling the city and those who are non-compliant will be cited. Fines can be as high as $500.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks recently captured two grizzly bears. One was frequenting the area of Dakota Avenue and was spotted several more times near the Wildwood Condos and The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. The other was near Blanchard Lake. FWP relocated both bears.

There have been almost daily calls to police from residents reporting bear activity. Last week a caller on Wisconsin Avenue reported hearing a bear snorting outside their window.

For questions, contact the Whitefish Police Department at 863-2420 or Whitefish Public Works at 863-2400.