Grizzlies test out Issaquah’s new bear-proof cans | Photos

Published 3:49 pm Friday, June 15, 2012

Two grizzly bears, the biggest beasts in the Pacific Northwest, had a try at Cleanscapes new bear-proof cans, destined for several Issaquah homes this summer.

The Woodland Park Zoo included the demonstration in its Bear Affair birthday party for its two 800-pound brother grizzlies June 9. Caretakers filled the can with leftover pizza boxes and cake as an incentive for the grizzlies.

The bears had the can for about two hours, and didn’t manage to open it. The pool is their favorite hang out spot, so they dragged it into the water. Unfortunately, they did sink the can.

While about 25,000-30,000 black bears live in Washington, many of which come down from the foothills into Issaquah during the spring, biologists estimate that there may only be about 60-80 of the grizzlies.

Grizzly bears are about twice the size of a black bear and rarely seen in the region.

Bear cans not only prevent wild animals from making a mess on the street, but also they keep them from growing dependent on humans for food.