Bear-resistant waste bins were recently tested by two brown bears at Helsinki’s Korkeasaari Zoo in a trial led by the Finnish Wildlife Agency. The aim is to prevent bears from entering residential areas by keeping household waste out of reach. Reports of bear activity in rural Finland have increased sharply in recent years. Bears are being drawn to homes and yards by food scraps and other domestic waste, with multiple regions this year reporting bears returning repeatedly to the same properties.
“Bears are intelligent and quick to learn. Once they find an easy food source, they tend to return,” said Kai-Eerik Nyholm, wildlife planner at the Finnish Wildlife Agency. “Our goal is to remove attractants near people’s homes.”
With few opportunities to observe wild bears interacting with bins under controlled conditions, the agency partnered with Korkeasaari Zoo, where two female brown bears took part in the trial. Zookeepers created realistic conditions using two reinforced bin models commonly used in rural housing. Both bins were fitted with metal reinforcements and secure locking mechanisms. The modifications were designed to remain practical for residents and waste collection services. Strongly scented treats such as honey and dried fish were placed inside the bins to attract the bears.
The response was immediate. The bears pushed, rolled, climbed on, and bit at the containers but were unable to open them.
“Neither bin opened during the tests,” Nyholm confirmed. “This gives us a reliable starting point for future improvements.” Once the trial ended, the bears returned to their usual breakfast of fruit.
Ulla Tuomainen, who coordinates research at Korkeasaari, explained that the zoo was keen to participate because it provides controlled conditions that are difficult to achieve in the wild. “Helping develop bear-resistant bins supports both wildlife conservation and animal welfare,” she said. “It is also a practical step toward coexistence between humans and large carnivores.”
The bin testing is part of a wider campaign by the Finnish Wildlife Agency to educate rural residents about reducing bear attractants. Advice includes managing compost, storing feed safely, and keeping outdoor areas clean. The guidance is particularly important during autumn when bears increase foraging to prepare for winter hibernation. The bin development program will continue, with more tests and technical improvements planned. The agency also aims to create guidelines for municipalities and homeowners on installing and maintaining bear-resistant bins in areas where bear activity is high.
