Bear proof trash containers?

My good friend Bob Orr, from Offlake Rentals, sent these photos to me the other day. It appears that these 'bear proof' trash containers aren't so bear-proof anymore. This occurred at a vacation rental in Sky Valley, a wooded community on the southeastern shores of Deep Creek Lake. If you look closely, you can make out the claw marks that are cut into the side of the plastic can. Eye witnesses confirmed that this is a very large bear, and had a cub with her. If I can figure out how to upload the video from their cell phone, they caught the bear shortly after the incident 'doing it's business' near the house.

One tip that Bob passed along to me: leave a rag soaked in ammonia inside or on top of the wooden housing for your trash containers - or, leave said rag in the immediate vicinity of your trash. This seems to keep the bears at bay, and they *should* leave you alone.

It also needs to be said, bears are cute and fun to watch, but they are definitely dangerous. If they can rip apart a wooden box, imagine what they can do to you!

CHARMING — AND DANGEROUS

CHARMING — AND DANGEROUS. Seeing wildlife such as this, a mother bear and her cubs, is considered a gift to many, especially those who have chosen to reside in a place where such animals thrive. This photo was taken by Polly English-Ramsay as she watched the mother and cubs investigate her neighbor's garbage Sunday evening, along State Park Road. She said her cat alerted her to the presence of the animals, who all ambled away soon after the picture was taken. As all residents know, a mother bear takes her parental responsibility seriously and can be very dangerous if she feels her cubs are being threatened, so staying at a safe distance is always strongly advised. "I feel blessed to live in an area of such beauty and with such an abundance of wildlife," English-Ramsay said.