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marker2140 Ruth Avenue, CA
marker[email protected]
marker(530) 541-5105

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Be Bear Aware

Living in, visiting, and doing business in bear country comes with unique challenges and certain responsibilities. It is critical that we all take responsibility for ensuring bears and other animals do not access trash in search of food. Check out tips on how to manage your trash below and from our local bear experts at tahoebears.org.

If you’re interested in installing a bear box to secure your trash, please see the list of Waste Management JPA approved vendors below.

BearWise Tips

Bear Season

It’s always bear season in the Lake Tahoe Basin! Keep bins closed and locked, contain all garbage to protect from animal access.

Be a part of the solution to mitigate animal access.

  • Do not put out garbage and recycling until the morning of collection.
  • Use cans with tight fitting lids, even inside bear boxes.
  • Make sure bear boxes are secure.
  • If you use a dumpster, be sure it is always closed and locked when not in use.

Be BearWise

Six At-Home BearWise Basics

  • Never feed or approach bears
  • Secure food, garbage, and recycling
  • Remove bird feeders when bears are active
  • Never leave pet food outdoors
  • Clean and store grills
  • Alert neighbors to bear activity
Click here for info from Tahoe Bear Team experts

Bear Boxes

Important Bear Box Information
  • The use of Bear Boxes must be incorporated with garbage cans, not instead of. They are not garbage receptacles. City and County ordinances require trash to be in containers, such as cans with lids.
  • Bear box enclosures shall be located 10 feet maximum from a county-maintained road or other roads if subject to garbage service pickup. 
  • STR does not fix, maintain, or warranty bear boxes. Bear boxes are the responsibility of the homeowner, and must be kept free of obstacles/snow/debris to allow for garbage collection service by STR employees.
Approved Bear Box Vendors:

Langenfeld Ace (installs only) – Manufactured by No Bear Can Brenda:(775) 884-9353; NO BEAR CAN (carsonweldinginc.com)

BEARSTOPPER – tel.: (209) 890-3345; www.bearstopper.com

Tahoe Bear Box – tel.: (530) 546-3154;  www.bearbox.org

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