Bozeman, Mont., bears know trash day

[October 15, 2010]  BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) -- Black bears in the Bozeman, Mont., area seem know when it's garbage day.

Solid Waste Department Superintendent Steve Johnson says garbage crews found numerous trash cans tipped over and completely emptied in several alleys Wednesday morning.

Johnson tells the Bozeman Daily Chronicle the bears know when the garbage containers are full. The furry trash can tippers have been at it for about a month as they prepare for hibernation.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks bear specialist Kevin Frey urges residents to wait until the morning of trash pickup day to set out their garbage cans and to pick up fruit that's fallen from trees, clean up gardens and take down bird feeders.

Frey says if temperatures continue to cool, the bears will be ready to hibernate by Halloween.

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Information from: Bozeman Daily Chronicle, http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/

[Associated Press]

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