Colorado is home to over 20,000 black bears and Colorado Parks and Wildlife reports about 4,000 calls regarding conflicts with bears each year. Most of these conflicts will occur in the fall when bears enter hyperphagia - meaning they are packing on as many calories as possible to prepare for winter. 

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Concern #1 - Bears Entering Town for Food

Resolutions: Most of us think about bears going into garbage cans and trash when we think about them entering town, but they also will break into chicken coops, sheds, garages, and even homes in the search for food. Because bears are incredibly strong animals, it can be difficult to completely bear proof everything. Using welded wire enclosures for chickens (think cattle or hog panels) combined with electrical fencing on the exterior will discourage bears from breaking into them. Strong metal doors on sheds with locking handles and locking windows can prevent them from getting into storage sheds that contain animal feed (this includes bird seed!) Most importantly, keep trash secure. Most waste companies in Colorado sell bear proof garbage cans and some municipalities even require them. "Unwelcome Mats" can also be used to discourage bears from checking out windows and doors. Many everyday items are appealing for bears. Pet food, trash, bird seed, grills, and even hummingbird feeders are considered bear attractants. It's important to bring all of these items inside at night and store them in a safe bear-proof area. Check out the external resources at the bottom of the page for suggestions on bear proof trash can enclosures and unwelcome mats. 

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Concern #2 - Bears Entering Camp

Resolutions: Camping in black bear country is relatively simple as long as you follow a few guidelines. Most importantly, store food and any scented items in a bear safe container (either a hard sided canister or an Ursack) away from your campsite. This includes toothpaste, wrapped candies, even lotions.  Many state and national park campgrounds have bear proof storage on site to use.  If you choose not to use a canister or an Ursack, properly hanging a bear bag in a tree is just as effective. Because Colorado is full of pine trees hanging a bear bag can be more difficult than in other states. Check the external resources below to learn how to properly hang a bear bag. 

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Concern #3 - Bear Attacks

Resolutions: Thankfully black bear attacks are rare. Many occur because people are purposely feeding bears and occasionally it is when a person comes between a female bear and her cubs. Bear spray is sold in most outdoors stores and studies show that it is effective at stopping 95% of bear attacks. Firearms only stop 50% of attacks. Bear spray is light weight and can easily be attached to the waist strap of your hiking pack. The best way to avoid bear attacks in the first place is to avoid feeding them (either purposely or by not safely storing food items) and keeping dogs on leashes and not allowing them to chase bears.