BEARS IN SNOQUALMIE? 

The City of Snoqualmie receives numerous calls from residents about bear activity throughout Snoqualmie, including Snoqualmie Ridge neighborhoods. The number one reason for conflict are the result of irresponsibility on the part of people: Access to trash, pet food, bird feeders, and improper storage of food while camping make up the majority of the calls.

The most important thing you can do to discourage bear activity around your home is to manage your garbage appropriately. Scroll down the page for tips. 
 
Please read the following information about living with wildlife.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Black Bear Information
Living with Wildlife Black Bear Fact Sheet
Bear-Resistant Garbage Container Information Sheet from Allied Waste


COMPLAINTS
Please direct wildlife complaints to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife at 425-775-1311. In case of emergency, dial 9-1-1.

PREVINTING BEAR ACTIVITY IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Manage your garbage. Bears will expend a great amount of time and energy digging under, breaking down, or crawling over barriers to get food, including garbage. If you have a pickup service, put garbage out shortly before the truck arrives—not the night before. If you’re leaving several days before pickup, haul your garbage to a transfer station.

Keep garbage cans with tight-fitting lids in a shed, garage, or fenced area. Spray garbage cans and dumpsters regularly with disinfectants to reduce odors. Keep fish parts and meat waste in your freezer until they can be disposed of properly.

If bears are common in your area, consider investing in a commercially available bear-proof garbage container.  In cooperation with Allied Waste Services and the City of Snoqualmie, the Bellevue Home Depot and Bellevue Lowe’s have begun selling a bear-resistant garbage container, which is not commonly sold in this region.