Bin-busting bears in Tofino and Ucluelet making quick work of bear-resistant garbage cans

A group of particularly clever bears in Tofino and Ucluelet have managed to outsmart the bear-resistant garbage bins that were meant to keep them out. According to Bob Hansen from WildSafe B.C.’s Pacific Rim chapter, these bears have cracked the code on how to break into the bins, even after brass carabiners were introduced to lock the lids closed in 2022.

Hansen explained, “Bears are very adept at problem-solving. There’s an internal spring in the carabiner, and they figured out how to twist them and break that spring.” This has led to the replacement of 121 brass carabiners so far this year, as these resourceful bears continue to find ways to access the bins.

Not only have these bears mastered the art of breaking the locks, but some have also learned how to break the plastic lids of the bins. Others have taken to dragging the bins into the woods where they can work undisturbed for hours to get at the goodies inside.

Tofino Mayor Dan Law emphasized the importance of understanding the bears’ relentless drive for food. He said, “We spend our days reading books and checking out the internet. They spend every waking hour trying to feed themselves. If they can find a way to break into a garbage can, they will.”

Tyee Wilson Jack, a resident, noted that the metal garbage cans previously used in Hitacu were more durable compared to the new bins. He described how bears would tip the can over and use their front legs to break open the lids repeatedly once they figured out the technique.

A report from WildSafe highlighted a shift in behavior among food-conditioned bears in the area. While sheds and vehicles were previously targeted for food, the bears have now turned their attention to the garbage bins. The report stated that in the first full year of the new garbage bin system, 66 bins were broken into. This year, that number has already reached 140 and continues to rise.

To address this issue, Mayor Law urged residents to use steel carabiners to secure the lids and anchor the bins to prevent them from being dragged away. He warned that if bears continue to access garbage easily, euthanasia may be necessary in the future.

WildSafe estimates that 80% of the bins in the region are not properly secured or anchored. Hansen recommended passing a chain or cable through the bin handle and attaching it to something solid to prevent bears from dragging them away. However, even this extra measure may not always deter a determined bear.

Residents like Taylor Godolphin in Ucluelet have experienced bears ripping bins off chains in their attempts to access food. Hansen emphasized the importance of switching to steel carabiners and ensuring bins are properly anchored to break the cycle of bears breaking into bins.

By taking these steps, residents can help protect both the bears and their communities from potential conflicts and ensure a safer coexistence with wildlife.