Many people are aware of the need to properly store their food while camping, but few realize the importance of using some of the same practices at home. According to Idaho Fish and Game, home owners in bear country should exercise caution this fall when it comes to disposing of their garbage. 

The department has provided a few tips to ensure no unwanted guests are welcoming themselves to your leftovers, citing that they’ve even had to relocate several bears during the past few weeks that had grown accustomed to foraging for garbage and scraps. Here’s what Idaho Fish and Game recommends:

• Keep garbage in bear-resistant containers or in a closed building.
• Empty and remove bird feeders during the summer months when songbirds are able to forage on food provided by nature.
• Clean up fruit that has fallen in your yard. Rotting fruit will attract bears as well as raccoons and skunks.
• Feed pets inside or during daylight hours; don’t leave pet food or food scraps outside of your home or camp, as it can attract bears, raccoons and skunks.
• Store horse and livestock grains inside closed barns.
• Keep barbeque grills stored in closed buildings.