HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. — Highlands County leaders are urging their residents to not invite bears to dinner by providing bear-resistant trash cans at a discount.
The county has dealt with sever black bear problems in recent years and leaders believe traditional trash cans are to blame.
In 2017, one Highlands County woman recorded a Florida black bear walking around her neighborhood and rummaging through trash cans in search of food.
FWC officials say once a bear finds a food source, supplied by humans, it’s hard to keep the bears away.
RECOMMENDED: Black bear caught rummaging through trash, neighbors concerned
In hopes of keeping bears away, Highlands County Solid Waste customers, outside of City Limits, in a bear-populated area are encouraged to purchase a bear-resistant roll cart — which are being provided by grant funding.
According to the application, the roll carts cost $80.63 ($75 + $5.73 sales tax) and are on a first-come, first served basis.
It's important to note, that while the roll carts are bear resistant they are not guaranteed to be bear proof.
To apply for a bear-resistant roll cart or for more information, click here.
