Beyond Bears: Raccoons, Coyotes, and Other Wildlife That Target Trash

When most people think of wildlife breaking into trash, bears are the first culprits that come to mind. Yet, across North America, bears aren’t the only animals causing problems for businesses, zoos, and outdoor recreation areas. Raccoons, coyotes, foxes, feral cats, and even birds are notorious for exploiting unsecured waste bins. These intrusions not only create costly cleanups but also pose risks to public health, safety, and wildlife well-being.

That’s why BearSaver doesn’t just design bear-resistant trash enclosures — they engineer solutions to protect against a wide range of persistent wildlife intruders. Multi-species protection is more than a convenience; it’s an essential strategy for maintaining cleanliness, preventing the spread of disease, and fostering safe coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Raccoons: The Urban Trash Raiders

Raccoons are among the most skilled trash scavengers in cities and suburban neighborhoods. With their dexterous paws and problem-solving intelligence, they can open ordinary trash can lids, leaving a mess behind and spreading food waste across sidewalks and alleys.

For municipalities, this means increased sanitation costs and public complaints. For zoos, unsecured waste can attract raccoons into enclosures or guest areas, creating potential disease transmission risks to both animals and visitors. BearSaver’s secure latch systems and reinforced enclosures help stop raccoons in their tracks, keeping urban and zoological environments cleaner and safer.

Coyotes and Foxes: Expanding Into Cities

Coyotes have become increasingly common in cities across the United States, and foxes are frequent opportunists in rural and suburban communities. Both species are drawn to overflowing or poorly secured trash cans, using them as an easy food source.

This creates significant concerns: coyotes can become bolder around people, leading to conflicts, while foxes can spread parasites and diseases. Animal-proof trash solutions like BearSaver’s BE2-P Trash Enclosure — a heavy-duty, steel-secured container — ensure that urban wildlife doesn’t associate human areas with an easy meal. By eliminating food attractants, cities can reduce encounters and improve coexistence strategies.

Birds, Rodents, and Smaller Pests

It’s not just mammals. Gulls, crows, and other birds are infamous for scattering trash across parks and recreation areas. Rats and squirrels are also drawn to unsecured bins, creating public health risks.

For outdoor recreation areas like campgrounds, hiking trailheads, and picnic spots, the sight of scattered trash doesn’t just harm the visitor experience — it can damage ecosystems as well. Wildlife conditioned to rely on human waste often lose their natural foraging habits. BearSaver containers are designed with sealed openings and durable construction to prevent entry by even the smallest intruders.

Why Multi-Species Protection Matters

For Cities and Municipalities

Clean streets are critical for public image and sanitation. By deploying animal-proof trash cans, cities reduce cleanup costs, minimize rodent infestations, and prevent larger animals from creating dangerous encounters with people.

For Zoos and Animal Facilities

Zoos prioritize animal health and visitor safety. Keeping raccoons, coyotes, and birds away from trash reduces cross-species disease risks and maintains a professional, welcoming environment for guests.

For Parks and Recreation Areas

Visitors expect natural beauty — not trash-strewn trails. Animal-proof trash cans not only preserve the visitor experience but also protect ecosystems from harmful waste and wildlife dependency.

BearSaver: Engineering for Real-World Challenges

BearSaver has long been recognized as the leading manufacturer of bear-resistant trash solutions, but the company’s commitment extends beyond bears. Their enclosures and receptacles are tested to withstand tampering by raccoons, coyotes, and smaller critters, ensuring total protection.

Take the BearSaver BE2-P Trash Enclosure as an example: built from heavy-gauge steel and designed with secure, animal-proof latches, it’s a proven solution for zoos, parks, and city streets. By preventing access to waste, the BE2-P reduces animal conflicts and keeps environments clean and safe.

Whether you manage a downtown district, a zoo, or a campground, investing in BearSaver’s multi-species protection means investing in public health, safety, and long-term cost savings.

Conclusion: Beyond Bears, Toward Cleaner Communities

Protecting trash from wildlife isn’t just about keeping bears away. It’s about creating cleaner, safer spaces for everyone — people and animals alike. Raccoons, coyotes, birds, and rodents are just as capable of wreaking havoc if given the chance. With BearSaver’s animal-proof commercial trash cans, communities can secure their waste against a wide spectrum of persistent intruders.

If your city, zoo, or park is ready to safeguard against wildlife incursions, contact BearSaver today at 800.851.3887 or email sales@bearsaver.com