Vail, Colo. (AP) Vail residents have until Sunday to buy bear-proof trash cans under one of the strictest wildlife-protection ordinances in the state.
Penalties for breaking the new ordinance include a $999 fine and up to 180 days in jail.
The ordinance is aimed at reducing run-ins between bears and humans. Supporters were hoping that if bears couldn't eat town trash, they would stay in the woods.
Some mountain communities require that trash be left in communal bear-proof containers, but Vail is requiring every homeowner to purchase the containers, which can cost $170 dollars or more.
The town is holding a lottery to refund $150 to ten homeowners who submit receipts by the end of the week.
