A container is defined as bear resistant if it meets the following criteria established by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.
- A securable container constructed of a solid, non-pliable material capable of withstanding 270 joules (200 foot-pounds) of energy. When secured and under stress, the container will not have any cracks, openings or hinges that would allow a bear to gain entry by biting or pulling with its claws. Wood containers are not considered bear resistant, unless they are reinforced with metal.
- Containers that do not have lids or have insufficient lids are not considered bear-resistant. Bear-resistant garbage containers are an effective means of restricting bear access to garbage only when the lids are properly secured. Often bears will access garbage through a poorly maintained lid or one that was left open. Ideally, in an industrial camp, garbage containers should be located within an electric fence (with appropriate signs warning the public that electric fencing is a safety hazard).
- A securable container constructed of a solid, non-pliable material capable of withstanding 270 joules (200 foot-pounds) of energy. When secured and under stress, the container will not have any cracks, openings or hinges that would allow a bear to gain entry by biting or pulling with its claws. Wood containers are not considered bear resistant, unless they are reinforced with metal.
never store garbage outside unless in a bear-resistant container