In recent weeks, a bear has been routinely tipping over the set of trash cans on the opposite side of the first crossing while scavenging for food. Eaton Canyon park staff have had to clean up the mess left behind by this bear dozens of times, sometimes for multiple mornings in a row. These trash cans often contain doggie bags, food scraps, huge amounts of plastic, diapers, unfinished drinks, and other products made for human consumption that can be harmful to bears. Plastic specifically can be deadly when mammals consume it as it can cause digestion blockages and toxicity. In addition, the heavy use of these trash cans by dog owners looking to throw away their doggie bags means that diseases and chemicals foreign to Eaton Canyon can spread throughout the ecosystem far more prolifically once consumed by this bear.
Earlier this year, a small group from the Eaton Canyon Nature Center that consisted of both county staff and ECNCA volunteers applied to the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Animal Welfare Grant to receive $10,000 to help protect wildlife in the park. On Monday, August 26th, 2024, the Eaton Canyon Nature Center installed new bear-proof trash cans using money from this grant and not taxpayer dollars.
The new bear-proof trash cans have both a trash and recycling side.
This set of trash cans will remain the final set of trash cans before visitors continue up to the waterfall. Due to the waterfall being inside the Angeles National Forest, it is expected that all visitors pack out their trash before leaving the park. Litter doesn’t just pollute the soil and water in Eaton Canyon and look unsightly. It also can pose a risk to animals who consume food stuck on plastic wrapping, possibly killing them. Be sure to pack out all trash when visiting any natural area.