SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – As there are ongoing concerns about bear encounters in several neighborhoods, Seminole County is seeking funds to prevent bears from rummaging through trash on collection days.
On Tuesday, commissioners are voting to approve a grant funding request to the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Advisory Committee for up to $50,000 to support the purchase of bear-proof garbage cans within the Wekiva watershed.
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In the past, Seminole County has provided bear-proof trash cans through grant funding. A spokesperson for the county said the new request would be for a similar result, although the details on how the funds would be used have not been determined.
Simone Nelson, who lives near Markham Woods, said bear-proof trash cans are needed in her neighborhood.
“We have had encounters where bears have come into our garage and pulled open our fridge and even freezer,” Nelson said. “Having that bear-proof trash can, the bear’s just scooting on by knowing there’s nothing there for them to take has been a big difference.”
In 2015, commissioners passed the Urban Bear Management Ordinance, which established rules to reduce human-bear encounters.
The ordinance primarily affects people west of Interstate 4 and requires that garbage be kept in bear-resistant cans if trash is set out before 5 a.m. on collection days.
“We’ve had the bear-proof can for years now because of necessity,” Nelson said. “Otherwise, there’s no way we could have put our trash out.”
According to the county, there is no match requirement for the funding request, which is scheduled for consideration at the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Advisory Committee’s July 15 meeting.
Commissioners are expected to approve the funding request during their regular meeting on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.