-------New Study on Effectiveness of Bear Proof Trash Cans----

In a recent peer-reviewed article it was discovered if 65% of a community secured their trash a decline in human-bear interactions would be noticeable.
A previous study showed that bear proof trash cans can result in a 95% reduction in these interactions. Bear proof trash cans work. If you have bears in your community talk with your local waste management and see what your options are when it comes to bear-proofing your trash. If your area doesn't have bear-proof cans talk to your county commissioner, city council members, school district, HOA, or other community organization about applying for
grant funding through the FWC. FWC staff will even help walk them through the process.

Reference:

Johnson, H. E., Lewis, D. L., Lischka, S. A., & Breck, S. W. (2018). Assessing ecological and social outcomes of a bear-proofing experiment. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 82(6), 1102-1114. doi:10.1002/jwmg.21472

--- Foto Friday ---
The rhesus macaques monkey native to Asia is one of Florida's many non-native wildlife species. The monkeys' forebearers were brought to an island in the Silver River in the 1930s as a tourist attraction due to the popularity of the Tarzan movies. None realized monkeys could swim. Now there are believed to be about 175 in Silver Springs State Park. They have been seen in the trees from Tallahassee to Sarasota. These monkeys are now considered a threat to humans by wildlife officials because about 30% carry the herpes b virus. Wildlife Officials support removing the monkeys from the environment but have not stated the measures they will take to accomplish the task. Imagine Our Florida supports an intense TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) program as the most humane and ecologically friendly method of removal.

---- Tuesday Trivia ---
REFUSE-REDUCE-REUSE-REPURPOSE-RECYCLE

Refuse
Refuse means to say No to things you are offered that you don't need.
Think about those bags of freebies. Refuse it if you are not going to use it.
Refuse printed fliers if you have no interest.
Refuse straws at restaurants.

Reduce
Reduce means to use less.
Buy only what you need.
How many pairs of shoes do you really need?
Can you recover that pillow instead of buying a new one?

Reuse
Purchase reusable water bottles, travel mugs, and shopping bags.
Reuse glass jars from pickles and pasta sauce for food or craft storage.
Drop off shipping materials such as styrofoam peanuts and crumpled craft paper to a shipping store to be reused.
Take your old bath towels, sheets, and blankets to a pet rescue or a vet.

Repurpose
Repurpose means to take something that was used for one thing and use it for something else. This takes a bit of imagination.
Before you throw away those old curtains, clothes or sheets, think about using it for a new chair or pillow cover.
Repurpose old wood. An old bookcase shelf can become a window seat for your cat.
Repurpose an old dresser by making it into a bathroom vanity.

Recycle
Recycle only when the above 4 options won’t work.
Recycle all you can – paper, plastic, metal, and glass
Recycle all fabric including stained or ripped clothing.
Recycle all electronics.
Do a simple internet search to find a recycler in your area.