Reducing Wildlife Conflict

August 21, 2026

Fernie and the surrounding area are home to many bears. Bears that become accustomed to humans as a source of food are dangerous and are sometimes destroyed, making it a matter of life and death for the bear. Keeping garbage indoors between collection days and ensuring your yard has no attractants such as dog food, apples, and bird feed will help to protect the bears and your property.

Bears And Garbage

Garbage is the cause of 80 per cent of interactions between humans and bears. Collection rules, such as set-out times, are included in our bylaw to deter animals and reduce wildlife attractants—it’s important to follow them.

Place your bin on the curb between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on collection days, not the night before.

Store garbage and waste in your garage, basement, or a wildlife-secure location. Any household without indoor storage can dispose of waste at the following locations:

• Fernie Transfer Station, located at 6000 Highway 3 - open daily.

• Bear-resistant dumpsters, available 24/7, located at:

  • City Hall
  • Max Turyk Community Centre
  • Fernie Aquatic Centre

If the dumpster is full, please take your waste to another location or to the Transfer Station.

Other Bear Attractants

Bears are omnivores and have a keen sense of smell which means they will eat just about anything if given the opportunity. Here are other items that may attract bears to your home, and how to manage them:

• Remove bird feeders.

• Pick berries and fruit as they ripen; pick up fallen fruit regularly.

• Feed pets inside your home or bring in leftover food and dishes after feeding outdoors.

• Keep your barbecue clean and grease-free and do not leave food unattended.

Learn more here: City of Fernie | Garbage & Recycling Collection