【NPO Picchio】Starts Full-Scale Sales of Bear Damage Prevention Trash Can 'Bear Smart Box'

The 'Bear Smart Box' installed in the forest

NPO Picchio, based in Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture, which engages in the protection and management of wild animals, will begin full-scale sales of the 'Bear Smart Box (Bear Smart Box)', a trash can with a sturdy structure that bears cannot physically open. This product has achieved zero bear-related trash can damage, which was once serious in Karuizawa Town, and has been used for over 20 years. In response to the recent nationwide expansion of bear damage and the resulting increase in anxiety about the living environment, we have decided to re-sell it this time as the most basic preventive measure to prevent unfortunate conflicts between humans and bears.

[Background] Cutting off the negative loop that starts with feeding, and the spirit and 20 years of experience of 'Bear Smart' to wisely deal with bears

Originally, Asiatic black bears are cautious and avoid people by running away when they sense human presence. However, once they get used to the taste of garbage left in human settlements, their caution wears off, and they may hide in bushes near people or not run away even when they see people, exhibiting dangerous behavior. When bears repeatedly appear in residential areas with strong attachment, the risk of human injury increases dramatically, and ultimately, the bear is eliminated as a 'problem individual', leading to a 'negative loop'. To break this chain at its root, it is essential to physically block access to garbage and create an environment that prevents bears from learning the taste of garbage.

Once, in Karuizawa Town, there were Asiatic black bears that were fed on garbage

Zero cases of bears breaking into them, with over 20 years of proven results in Karuizawa Town

The number of bear-related trash raiding incidents at garbage collection points in Karuizawa Town, which was 129 per year in 1999, dramatically decreased after the introduction of this product in stages from 2003 (a total of 46 units: 31 public and 15 private), and achieved zero in 2009. Since then, the damage has remained low. Even now, more than 20 years after its introduction, there has not been a single case of bears breaking into this product. The 'Bear Smart Box' is a product that embodies the international idea of 'Bear Smart (smart coexistence with bears)', which reduces friction with bears by humans acting wisely, and has been proven in the field for many years.

*Note: Trash raiding after 2010 occurred at collection points that were not of the Bear Smart Box type.

Trends in the number of bear-related trash raiding incidents at garbage collection points in Karuizawa Town (created from the Karuizawa Town Asiatic Black Bear Countermeasures Business Report for FY 7)

[Example] Garbage collection points that have been raided by bears

Bears find garbage using their sense of smell and strong strength, so they easily raid not only general trash cans but also sturdy storage-type garbage collection points. In past cases in Karuizawa Town, commercially available trash cans were not able to withstand the strength of bears and were easily broken. In particular, in the case of storage-type, damage such as intrusion from ventilation holes, prying open doors or shutters, and bending the wall side despite reinforcing doors and rails for countermeasures has occurred. In addition, once a bear learns how to open it, the possibility of it raiding other garbage collection points with strong attachment increases.

A general trash can that was destroyed from below, with the shutter pried open

A storage-type garbage collection point that was damaged with the door destroyed, but despite reinforcing the door and rails for countermeasures, the wall side was destroyed

[Product Features] Three strengths that prevent bear damage and pursue ease of use for humans

Feature 1: 'Two-action lock function' and anti-tip design that is impossible for bears

Adopts a unique lock function with two actions of 'putting your hand on' and 'pulling the lever', which is impossible for the structure of a bear's hand. In addition, the door is designed to make it less likely for the sharp claws of a bear to catch on the gap. Also, it is designed so that bears cannot tip over the main unit. These functions have been verified at 'Noboribetsu Bear Farm (Hokkaido)' during development.

How to open the door: Scene of the verification experiment at 'Noboribetsu Bear Farm'

Feature 2: High durability for long-term outdoor use to withstand harsh environments

Assuming harsh outdoor use, we adopt 'hot-dip galvanized steel plate' to achieve strong rust prevention. Also, by adopting a strong frame that can withstand heavy snow, it is designed to be highly durable and can be used for a long time even in harsh natural environments such as snowy areas and rainy regions.

*Note: This does not apply under conditions where large amounts of calcium chloride or acid, etc. are attached.

Feature 3: High operability that is easy for everyone from installation to daily use

Although the main unit is very sturdy, the door adopts a hydraulic damper, so even children and the elderly can easily open and close it with light force. When you let go of your hand, it slowly closes by its own weight, minimizing the risk of forgetting to close it and causing damage. Also, the transport of the main unit is 'no additional construction required' as it is just placed in the specified position with a forklift. Since large-scale foundation work is not required, quick introduction is possible. For locations where transport by car is difficult, we also offer an 'assembled type' that can be assembled by two adults in 1-2 hours.

[Sales Overview]

To stably supply products, orders are set to coincide with the bear activity period when the risk of damage is highest, and a one-time production system is introduced with three deliveries per year (April, June, and September). We are currently accepting orders for the September delivery.

Sales Price (tax included):

・Regular price (per unit): 682,000 yen~

・Bulk order (10 units or more): 627,000 yen~ per unit

Nearest Schedule:

・Application deadline: July 31, 2026

・Delivery period: Mid-September 2026 (planned)

Please consider this as part of environmental improvement for municipalities, businesses, local garbage stations, campsites, etc. For details, please feel free to contact us.

*Note: Due to the impact of rising raw material costs due to global circumstances, there may be a revision of sales prices or a significant delay in delivery. For the latest prices and delivery times, please request individual inquiries and estimates.

[Organization Overview]

Picchio

Since 1992, we have been active in Karuizawa, focusing on the protection and management of wild animals and nature tours. With the mission of passing on the original form of the forest to the next generation, we promote the coexistence of wild animals based on scientific evidence, including the protection and management of Asiatic black bears.

[Inquiries regarding this matter]

NPO Picchio

Address: 2148 Ohkura, Karuizawa Town, Kita-Saku District, Nagano Prefecture 389-0111

Phone: 0267-46-3818

E-mail: info@npo.picchio.jp

URL: https://npo.picchio.jp/action/374