The bear bins might go.

Fernie has four bear-resistant community garbage bins in three locations, and the city is surveying residents on whether they stay. Overflowing garbage, illegal dumping and wildlife concerns, it says, mean the service cannot continue in its current form.

In a separate release on August 26 the city asked households to cut wildlife conflict ahead of fall. Garbage accounts for 80 per cent of human-bear interactions. The asks: carts out between 5 and 7 am on collection day rather than the night before, bird feeders down, fruit picked as it ripens, pets fed indoors, barbecues kept clean. Bear-resistant dumpsters are available at City Hall, the Max Turyk Community Centre and the Fernie Aquatic Centre, and the transfer station at 6000 Highway 3 is open daily.

Waste Regulation Bylaw No. 1845 already makes it unlawful to put garbage out before 5 am on collection day, or to store wildlife attractants under a carport, on a deck or in a yard in a way that increases bear activity.

Sources: CBC, bins under review · The Free Press, August 26 · e-KNOW, securing your cart