The top metal section of a new bear-proof dumpster enclosure arrived at Mountain Village Apartments on Whistler Road this past Sunday, October 25. The component is currently situated in the parking lot, directly in front of the existing dumpsters at the complex. This delivery marks a step towards a permanent solution for persistent bear activity that has plagued the apartment complex for much of the summer. A spokesperson for Mountain Village had previously communicated on September 15 that the new enclosure was expected to take “three to four weeks” for completion, with installation contingent upon permit approval. The arrival of this key part now comes six weeks after that initial estimate.
Throughout the summer months, the former trash compactor at Mountain Village Apartments was frequently accessed by bears. Neighbors recounted seeing significant numbers, with some reporting “as many as seven bears at once” in the compactor. This led to numerous complaints to Steamboat Springs Police, who responded by issuing warnings and subsequently citations to the property management.
In response to these issues and the official actions, property management took steps to address the situation. They dismantled the original trash compactor area and installed temporary bear-proof containers in its place. Following this, the frequency of trash removal was increased to six times per week. Neighbors reported that these temporary measures, particularly the removal of the old compactor and the introduction of the new containers with protective bars, significantly reduced the immediate bear problem.
Despite these interim solutions, the permanent bear-proof enclosure “still hasn’t been built yet.” The newly arrived top section of the enclosure remains in the parking lot, alongside a pallet of cinder blocks, awaiting construction. Compounding the issue, one neighbor reported seeing three bears near the trash cans just recently. The impact of the bears has extended beyond the trash area; many ground-level screen windows at the complex have also been ripped open and damaged by the animals. Neighbors who have spoken on the matter indicate they have requested new screens from management, but these have yet to be replaced.
Property management for Mountain Village Apartments has not yet provided a response regarding when the enclosure will be built. Inquiries have also been made for an update on the replacement of the damaged screens, but a response on that issue is also pending. The complex is located on Whistler Road.