Petersburg looks to avoid bear problems with trash this fall

Mitkof Island, like much of Alaska, is home to black and brown bears. Living in bear country, securing trash is a vital management procedure in the fall.

This was seen last year, when, due to bears entering town and going through trash cans, several were killed by local law enforcement.

Petersburg has time now to prepare for the fall season. Wildlife Biologist at Fish and Game Frank Robbins stresses that keeping trash secured is the most important thing for residents to manage the bears coming to town this year.

“The solution is not providing them an avenue to access the trash,” Robbins said....