Using Winter Downtime to Prepare for Spring Wildlife Activity

How Smart Maintenance, Placement Reviews, and Updated Protocols Reduce Wildlife Conflicts

For parks, municipalities, campgrounds, resorts, and commercial facilities located near wildlife habitats, winter is more than a quiet season—it’s a strategic opportunity. While animal activity slows, facility managers can use winter downtime to prepare for the surge of wildlife encounters that typically begins in early spring.

As bears and other wildlife emerge from hibernation, unsecured trash becomes one of the strongest attractants. Proactive planning during winter months—focusing on trash enclosure maintenance, placement reviews, and operational protocols—can dramatically reduce wildlife conflicts and property damage once warmer weather arrives.

Why Winter Preparation Matters

Spring brings increased human traffic, food waste, and wildlife movement—all at the same time. Bears, in particular, have an acute sense of smell and are highly motivated to seek out calories after hibernation. Overflowing or poorly secured trash cans often become the first target.

Facilities that wait until spring to address waste security are often reacting instead of preventing. Winter offers ideal conditions for inspections, upgrades, and training—without the pressure of peak-season use.

1. Winter Maintenance: Inspect and Reinforce Your Trash Infrastructure

Cold-weather months are ideal for inspecting commercial trash cans and enclosures for wear and tear. Key areas to address include:

• Door hinges and latching systems

• Locking mechanisms that may loosen over time

• Structural integrity of steel panels and frames

• Signs of previous wildlife tampering

Bear-resistant trash cans are only effective when they function as designed. Even the strongest enclosure can fail if locks are damaged or doors don’t close properly.

Facilities using the BearSaver® CE Series Triple Trash & Recycling Enclosure (CE340) benefit from heavy-duty steel construction and a proven bear-resistant design, but winter inspections ensure peak performance when wildlife pressure increases.

This CE Series enclosure is designed for high-capacity, multi-stream waste collection while maintaining compliance with bear-resistant standards—making it ideal for parks, trailheads, visitor centers, and commercial properties in bear country.

2. Placement Review: Reduce Attractants Before Wildlife Returns

Winter is the perfect time to reassess where trash and recycling stations are located—especially before spring crowds return.

Ask these questions during your placement review:

• Are trash enclosures located too close to natural cover or wildlife corridors?

• Are they positioned near building entrances, picnic areas, or trails where food waste is common?

• Is lighting adequate for visibility and proper nighttime use?

Relocating trash cans even a short distance can significantly reduce wildlife encounters. Bear-resistant enclosures should be placed in open, visible areas with clear sightlines, away from wooded edges when possible.

The BearSaver CE Series is well-suited for centralized waste collection points, helping facilities consolidate waste into fewer, more secure locations rather than scattered, vulnerable bins.

3. Protocol Updates: Align Staff and Visitors with Best Practices

Even the best bear-proof trash can can be compromised by improper use. Winter downtime is an ideal window to review and update waste-handling protocols, including:

• Staff training on proper locking and relocking procedures

• Scheduled trash pickup frequencies for spring and summer

• Clear signage reminding visitors to secure trash properly

• Coordination with waste haulers to avoid overfilled containers

Facilities that combine bear-resistant hardware with consistent human behavior see the greatest reduction in wildlife incidents.

Consider updating internal documentation or running refresher training sessions before seasonal staff arrive. Clear protocols ensure everyone understands how to use and maintain bear-proof enclosures correctly.

A Smarter Start to Spring with BearSaver®

BearSaver® has been a trusted leader in animal-proof commercial trash cans for decades, providing solutions designed to withstand real-world wildlife pressure. The CE Series Triple Trash & Recycling Enclosure delivers durability, capacity, and proven bear resistance—helping facilities protect both people and wildlife.

By using winter downtime to inspect equipment, refine placement, and update protocols, organizations can enter spring confident that their waste management system is ready.

Plan Ahead. Prevent Problems. Protect Wildlife.

For expert guidance on selecting the right bear-resistant trash cans for your facility, contact BearSaver® today:

📞 Call: 800.851.3887
📧 Email: sales@bearsaver.com