FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- Piles of garbage in Rist Canyon near Fort Collins are raising a big stink among neighbors.

Residents have been stacking bags of trash for pickup at various points along the main road through the canyon. The problem is that the trash is a temptation for wildlife, especially bears, 7NEWS reported.

Some families are getting a bit concerned because residents are leaving their trash right underneath signs that warn about the bears in the area.

Some of the trash piles are just a few feet away from where dozens of families get their mail every day, as well as the neighborhood's school bus stop.

Neighbors told 7NEWS that the problem has been going on for years.

Because of the rough dirt roads in the canyon, the trash company for the area tells its customers to leave their bags where they can be easily picked up. While most people put their trash out on the day of pickup, others dump it a day or so earlier.

This provides plenty of time for wild animals, including bears, to tear at the bags and drag garbage everywhere.

The possibility that kids waiting for school buses could be in danger has neighbors fighting about what to do.

"I pay for my trash. This is where it's picked up," one resident said.

"I've got more bears here than I know what to do with, and this trash is bringing them in," a frustrated neighbor said.

Some residents have contacted the county to try to get something done about the way the garbage is handled.

Officials told 7NEWS that it may be up to neighbors to work it out among themselves.