In response to Joyce Marcel's June 1 column, let me tell you of Vail, Colo.'s major problem with “trash bears,” “hummingbird feeder bears,” and “birdfeeder-and-dog-bowl bears.”
Several years ago, upset at the number of bears euthanized as repeat offenders - and run down on local roads - the Vail Town Council passed an ordinance requiring bear-proof trash containers for all residents using trash/garbage pick-up. Residents were further required stow the containers inside, except during the daylight hours of their pick-up days.
Further, all feeders and other attractive hazards had to be taken in at night.
The local haulers were happy to sell us new containers at decreasing prices over the course of a year, and with local homeowners eager to report non-conformers, there is now no problem with trash bears in Vail.