Turn Your Existing Trash Can into a Better Bear Deterrent
Not ready to purchase a certified bear-resistant trash can? Our 4-Strap Design offers an affordable way to retrofit many existing trash cans, helping reduce access to one of the biggest bear attractants—garbage.
The Roaring Fork Valley Bear Coalition offers bear straps that allow many existing trash cans to be retrofitted with our proven 4-Strap Design.
👉 Ready to get started?
Order Bear Straps or a DIY Bear Care Kit »
Before installing retrofit straps, please contact your refuse hauler, as additional fees or requirements may apply.
Why Use Bear Straps?
The 4-Strap Design helps make trash cans more difficult for bears to open, encouraging them to move on without being rewarded with food. It also helps keep raccoons and other nuisance wildlife out of your garbage.
The design was tested by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and is featured on their website as an approved retrofit option for modifying existing trash cans.
Installation
🎥 Watch the Installation Video
📄 Download Installation Instructions
Learn More
Want to learn more about the 4-Strap Design and why it has been so successful?
Read “4-Strap Design: Important Preventive Step,” Daniela Kohl’s article published in International Bear News. The article explains how the retrofit program began, why simple deterrents can help reduce human-bear conflicts, and why affordable solutions are an important first step for many communities.
📄 Download the International Bear News Article (PDF)
Remember
A bear-resistant trash can—or a retrofitted trash can—is only effective if it is properly secured every time.
Keeping garbage inaccessible protects your property, your neighbors, and ultimately, keeps bears wild.