Reduce garbage odors by rinsing food containers before placing them in the garbage or recycling. Keep meat scraps in the freezer until garbage day. Remove bird feeders in the spring, or remove them at night if you must continue to feed. Keep garbage cans in an enclosed area. Keep pet food and water inside.
Any food draws wildlife, including bears.
Keep barbecue grills and picnic tables clean. Use a fence to keep bears from beehives, sweet corn, fruit trees and berry patches. Barking dogs, bright lights and noise around a cabin or house will often frighten bears away. Walkers and hikers should wear small bells tied to their shoelaces or belts, or whistle, to warn a bear that they are nearby. When available, use locked metal bear boxes to store items.