The relatively dense Cherokee Oaks neighborhood has supported three garbage-rummaging bears in 2025. According to some reports, more than half of the houses are operated as short term rentals (STRs). The bears frequent the STR waste carts left roadside 24 hours per day, 7 days per week… a veritable all-you-can-eat buffet of left-over pizza. A mother and her two yearlings emerged from their den in January to feast on the contents of two recycling carts. By February, they started scoping out the neighborhood more frequently. By April, they were regular STR guests. At the end of April, the…

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