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LETTER: Not everyone has room to freeze garbage

Bears don't always go after fruit that has fallen to the ground

I have lived in Mission for 37 years, have fruit trees, had my garbage outside my house, have compost, and have been aware of the bears in my area.

I have never had a problem with bears getting into my garbage, my yard or eating my fruit, but since the Rot Pots came into affect the bears are in my yard, and we have seen them peering into the neighbours’ window. They also broke down my other neighbour’s fence.

I think the Rot Pots are bear bait.

The District of Mission asks us to keep the garbage and Rot Pots in the garage, and ensure there is no pet food outside, or bird feeders, among others.

According to your article, “Despite warnings, information campaigns and annual media attention, many people don’t heed the advice of keeping their garbage inside their garages or in the freezer until the morning of garbage collection.”

Have you ever smelled rotten garbage in your garage on a hot summer day? I do not have room in my freezer to store my garbage.

Your article further says more complaint calls come in because people with fruit trees aren’t picking up the fruit right away.

I have seen fruit-bearing trees at Fraser River Heritage Park where the fruit has fallen, and stayed on the ground for two months and I have not seen any bears.

Gina Esche

Mission