Chapter 6.36 — BEAR PREVENTIVE/CONTROL MEASURES

A.

This chapter is known as, and may be cited as the "Madera County bear control ordinance."

B.

All persons affected by this chapter shall have thirty days after its effective date to comply with the provisions contained herein.

(Ord. 567 § 1(part), 1995).

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall, for the purposes of this chapter, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section.

A.

"Bear-proof collection bin" means a secured container, made of metal or equivalent, with a locked lid or a swinging door on top of the bin or equivalent, that makes the contents of the bin inaccessible to bears.

B.

"Bear-proof container/structure" means any container or structure that as a result of its construction makes the contents of the container or structure inaccessible to bears.

C.

"Garbage" means all food substances that would reasonably be expected to attract bears, including, but not limited to, discarded refuse or food stuffs.

(Ord. 567 § 1(part), 1995).

For purposes of disposal, all garbage or other substances that would reasonably be expected to attract bears shall be placed into a bear-proof collection bin in the following areas of Madera County:

All private lands located within the boundaries of the Sierra National Forest.

(Ord. 567 § 1(part), 1995).

Within the areas described in Section 6.36.030 above, the owner, lessee, resident or person exercising physical control of any private property, including businesses, shall at all times place garbage or other substances that would reasonably be expected to attract bears in private bear-proof containers for collection, or inside bear-proof structures.

(Ord. 567 § 1(part), 1995).

Each bear-proof container or structure shall be kept clean inside and out, so that no odor or nuisance shall exist. Covers shall not be removed except when necessary to place garbage or other refuse inside the bear-proof container or to remove same from the bear-proof container. The bear-proof container or structure shall not be overloaded to the extent covers cannot be securely replaced, or the structure securely closed.

(Ord. 567 § 1(part), 1995).

Violation of any provision of this chapter shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall be punishable under Chapter 1.12, the general penalty provisions of this code. County shall additionally have any legal remedy at law in the event of the violation.

(Ord. 567 § 1(part), 1995).