Recently there have been reports and sightings of black bears in the City of Staunton. Bears may be attracted to residential areas by the smell of foods people commonly put out around their homes. Bears may also be attracted to bird feeders, pet food and garbage. Residents are reminded to tightly secure all plastic bags containing food waste and place them in enclosed trash containers with lids securely fastened. It is strongly recommended to place containers out the morning of pickup. Items placed out for recycling should be rinsed out and not contain food particles. These simple steps will also help deter nuisance animals like raccoons, possums and skunks from getting in the refuse and creating a mess, as well as cats and dogs.
Additional information about bears and how to coexist may be found on the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website at http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/
Should you encounter or sight a bear in your neighborhood, please contact the Police Department at 332-3842.
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