Northern Bear Awareness
If you compost, please follow the REAPS backyard composting guide. Compost could attract bears.
In the spring, bears are attracted by the smell of rotting kitchen waste as residents start their composters. In the fall, it is the smell of rotting fruit that attracts them.
To keep the bears away:
- Cover kitchen waste each time you add it. A little lime helps to control the smell, but don't add too much.
- Do not add large amounts of fruit waste in the fall unless it is mixed and well covered with other compostables.
- Keep your compost pile aerated to limit smells.