Wildlife, like this black bear (Urus americanus), go where the food is. By taking a few extra moments to tidy dumpsters, recycling bins, employee areas and other locations on properties that may attract animals, you can save lives of wildlife and money for your company!
Businesses small and large have a role to play in keeping wildlife and nearby people safe. Whether it’s maintaining an animal-proof dumpster, ensuring employees understand the importance of not feeding animals or working with local non-profits and governments, there are progressive solutions that will save the animals – and likely save your company money with time.
Keep dumpsters, organic waste and recycling bins closed and secured until they’re needed; then close and secure afterwards.
Spray down dumpsters and the area surrounding them regularly to keep scents that attract wildlife down.
Consider bear-proof containers. You can find links in our resources page!
Many dumpsters have drains on them that are large enough for animals like rats, skunks and squirrels to enter. Unfortunately, skunks can easily get their heads stuck (due to the triangular shape of their skulls). Simply soldering an X on the mouth of the drain can help prevent larger animals from entering or getting stuck in these.
Talk to your municipality, province or state about programs that may be available in your area to help reduce costs or mitigate wildlife concerns through coexistence measures.
Regularly walk around the property to identify potential attractants and/or try to establish what wildlife may be present.
Utilize fencing as needed. Tall fences and electric fencing can be a way to protect physical assets from wildlife (as well as for generally improved security).
Store any waste or products that may attract wildlife securely and according to industry requirements.
Work with your municipality or area non-profits to find coexistence solutions on your property.
Employees should be informed of the danger of feeding and/or approaching wildlife, both for them, the individual animals and others they may interact with.
Outdoor eating areas should be kept clean of food (including crumbs) and wildlife-proof waste receptacles provided; alternatively, an indoor bin designated for such waste can be made available.
All interactions with wildlife or sightings of large and/or undesirable wildlife should be reported to management or the appropriate local authority.
