Frequently asked questions about bear containers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

-- What is a bear-proof trash container ordinance?

The bear-proof container ordinance was enacted and is enforced to protect the welfare of the community. Unsecured trash is an enticement to bears and creates situations in which a chance meeting between a hungry bear and an unsuspecting individual could result in injury or death. It is also unfair to the animals as they do not learn to forage for themselves and it creates a dependence that causes the bears to place themselves in a hazardous environment involving vehicles and the possibility of armed individuals.

-- Does the ordinance make it mandatory for everyone to install a bear-proof trash container?

Bear-proof containers are not mandatory until after two violations in a two year period. After a second violation in two years, the county will require the responsible party, at their cost, to install a bear-proof container within 30 days of the second incident.

-- What constitutes a violation of the bear-proof trash container?

When a complaint is received, a site inspection and investigation will take place. If it is determined that a bear gained access to unsecured trash then a notice of violation will be issued. All other scattered and unsecured trash issues will be noticed under the current public nuisance code (Chapter 8.14 DCC).

-- Does the ordinance only apply to the Lake portion of the county?

The current ordinance applies only to Tahoe Township.

-- Why is the county considering expanding the ordinance to apply to all of Douglas County?

The bear population moves for various reasons. One of the reasons is the available food sources and trash. Greater awareness and enforcement in the Tahoe basin and use of bear-proof containers has caused some bears to move down into the foothill and Valley portions of the county

-- Do we really have a problem with bears in the Valley portion of the county?

There have been recent reports of bears in several different locations outside of Tahoe Township in Douglas County. The Nevada Department of Wildlife received 21 bear complaints in the Carson Valley in 2004 and this increased to 50 in 2006.