Inuvik to close ‘dump scavenging’ over bear threat

The Town of Inuvik says it’ll stop people scavenging at its dump from mid-May because an early spring has “caused an increased presence of bears and other wildlife.”

Rummaging through areas of the dump for things that can be repurposed is a time-honoured pastime in multiple NWT communities.

Residents can still scavenge at the solid waste site till May 13, the town said in a statement, at which point they’ll be asked to stop.

“If you will be scavenging prior to the closing date please use the appropriate precautions, always be alert, avoid bear feeding areas such as residential garbage, and respect all instructions given by solid waste site staff,” the town added.