Hi again Diamond-- with the bears coming out of hibernation, they are ESPECIALLY attracted to ANYTHING that smells remotely like "food"...where we live, we do NOT leave ANY garbage out, until the VERY morning of collection, and have to really check the yard for "tid-bits" (chewie-bones that our dogs like to munch on, etc.) . Even so, it is not so easy to convince neighbors of this practice. I guess the best bet is to try your best, use the ammonia and Pine-Sol--the bear will probably just move on.

I can certainly understand your concern about your doggies!!!!!! Gosh--maybe turn on all your outside lights, crank up the stereo, clang on a pot LOUDLY and make a "ruckus" BEFORE you go out with your doggies for their "business"??

Well, I hope this helps...AND that bear doesn't come back!

Brokenwings