The Colorado Springs, Colo., City Council recently passed an ordinance requiring residents west of Interstate 25 to have bear-proof trash cans. The ordinance was designed to decrease the number of human-bear interactions in the city, KOAA News 5 reports.

The ordinance, which takes effect beginning next March, requires anyone living on the west side of the city to either use bear-proof garbage cans or keep their garbage secured inside until 5 a.m. MT on their garbage collection day.

KOAA News 5 has more information:

The Colorado Springs City Council made its final vote Tuesday that will require residents on the west side of the city to have bear-proof trash cans. Residents west of I-25 will be required to get bear-proof containers, keep trash or perishable waste inside, and limit times when trash is put out.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife said they expect to seek grants to help low-income residents buy the trash cans. The City Council made the first unanimous vote on the matter on Oct. 8 to help move this measure forward.

The ordinance was designed to decrease the number of human-bear interactions in Colorado Springs.

Read the full article here.