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Entry 536Filed under Breeding

How to Keep Bears Out of Your Home and Garage

Secure garbage, food and scented items, close doors and windows, and remove other attractants to make your home and garage less appealing to bears. If one enters, stay out of its way and give it a clear exit.
3-minute read By Animalso Team
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Keep bears out by removing easy rewards—garbage, pet food, grills, fallen fruit and scented products—and closing doors and windows when you are away. If a bear gets inside, stay out of its way, leave it a clear route out and contact local wildlife authorities if it does not leave. Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to anyone’s safety.

Remove the things that attract bears

Bears may be drawn to more than food on a plate. Garbage, pet or livestock feed, drinks, toiletries, sunscreen, bug repellent and items used to prepare or eat meals can all carry scents that attract them. The National Park Service recommends keeping food and scented items secured, especially in bear country. National Park Service bear safety guidance

  • Feed pets indoors and secure livestock feed.
  • Bring food, drinks and scented products inside rather than leaving them on a porch or in an open garage.
  • Clean grills regularly and store them safely in a garage or shed.
  • Pick fruit as it ripens, and remove fallen fruit and vegetables before they rot on the ground.

These steps matter because bears that find easy access to human food in developed areas may return and associate those places with food, creating risks for people and bears. Grand Teton National Park bear guidance

Store garbage securely and put it out at the right time

Keep garbage in a building or a suitable bear-resistant container, and keep the container closed between uses. The National Park Service recommends storing trash containers indoors, such as in a shed or garage, or using bear-resistant trash containers. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife guidance also suggests securing cans in a garage, shed, or behind a chain-link or electric fence. National Park Service bear safety guidance; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife homeowners checklist

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SUIFALY Bear Proof Trash Can Locks,Raccoon Proof Garbage Can Straps,2 Pack
  • Animal & Weather Resistant : A practical trash can lock strap that keeps your outdoor bin sealed—helps deter bears, raccoons, squirrels, pets, and gusty wind from opening or tipping the lid. Ideal for home, curbside, camping, and other outdoor use. A simple trash can lock solution for raccoon proof garbage cans and bear proof trash can setups."
  • Bite-Resistant & Durable : Made with all-metal hardware and high-strength nylon, these trash can lock straps for animals can withstand chewing, scratching, and clawing from bears, raccoons, squirrels, dogs, and other pets. Designed for all-weather outdoor environments.
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Put garbage out on collection morning, close to pickup time, rather than leaving it outside overnight. If you are considering a bear-resistant can, check with your waste provider first: collection services may have requirements about which containers they accept. Follow local wildlife and waste-service rules, which can differ by location.

Close doors and windows, including when you leave

Close and secure exterior doors and windows when you leave a home or cabin, and do not leave them open as an invitation to bears. A bear can enter through an open door or window. Keep food inside and avoid leaving scented items near an opening. National Park Service bear safety guidance

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Protect gardens and other outdoor attractants

If bears are drawn to a particular outdoor area, address that attractant rather than relying on a single measure around the whole property. Oregon wildlife guidance suggests electric fencing for orchards, gardens, compost, beehives and berry patches. Whether fencing is appropriate depends on the site and local guidance; it is not a universal requirement for every home. The same checklist recommends talking with neighbors about removing attractants, since unsecured food or garbage nearby can undermine prevention efforts. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife homeowners checklist

What to do if a bear is already inside

The National Park Service’s instruction is direct: “If the bear is in your home, stay out of its way.” National Park Service, Conservation At Home – Bears

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Rank #3
2PCS Bear Proof Trash Can Lock with Double Metal Claw - Heavy Duty Garbage Can Locks for Animals - Adjustable Strap Lid Lock for 32-96 Gallon Outdoor Cans - Secure Against Raccoons & Squirrels
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  1. Keep your distance. Do not approach, corner, block or try to handle the bear.
  2. Give it a clear route to leave, and stay out of that route yourself.
  3. If it will not leave, call your local wildlife division or wildlife authority for guidance.
  4. If the bear threatens anyone’s safety, call 911.
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Check the rules for your area

Bear-resistant storage and garbage collection requirements are not identical everywhere. The National Park Service notes that food-storage requirements vary among parks; park rules are not automatically residential rules. Check your local wildlife authority for bear guidance and your waste provider for collection requirements. Oregon’s recommendations are state guidance, not nationwide regulations. National Park Service food-storage guidance; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife homeowners checklist

Best Value
SUIFALY Bear Proof Trash Can Locks,Raccoon Proof Garbage Can Straps,4 Pack
  • Animal & Weather Resistant : A practical trash can lock strap that keeps your outdoor bin sealed—helps deter bears, raccoons, squirrels, pets, and gusty wind from opening or tipping the lid. Ideal for home, curbside, camping, and other outdoor use. A simple trash can lock solution for raccoon proof garbage cans and bear proof trash can setups."
  • Bite-Resistant & Durable : Made with all-metal hardware and high-strength nylon, these trash can lock straps for animals can withstand chewing, scratching, and clawing from bears, raccoons, squirrels, dogs, and other pets. Designed for all-weather outdoor environments.
  • Heavy-Duty X-Box Stitching : Each strap connection is reinforced with X-box cross-stitching, firmly attaching the nylon to metal hooks and locking buckle. This greatly improves tensile strength and tear resistance, making your garbage can lock more durable and long-lasting.
  • Easy Installation : Drill a hole with a bit equal to or slightly larger than 8 mm (5/16") and secure the strap using the included screws. The strap length can be adjusted to the optimal position, and once set, it will self-lock without the risk of slipping.
  • Universal Fit (28–100 Gallon) : Adjustable from 12.6–16.5 inches, fits most 28–100 gallon trash, recycle, and compost bins. No tools needed—just hook, tighten, and lock for a quick install. A versatile, lockable trash can solution for curbside and backyard use.
Rank #4
Toter 25564-R1209 Residential Heavy Duty Two Wheeled Trash Can, Blackstone, 64 Gallon
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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