Boulder's peaceful reputation was put to the test after a bear attack on a resident prompted renewed calls from wildlife officials for vigilance in securing trash. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. last Saturday, when a resident, walking his dogs, encountered a bear and its cub on High Street. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has issued a warning post-attack, reminding Boulder folks of the perils that come with their mountainside living and the importance of trash management, particularly during bear hyperphagia.
The confrontation with the bear resulted in what the man described as "superficial" injuries after he tripped over his dogs' leashes, attempting to escape the animal's aggressive move. Following the incident, CPW officers discovered an upended trash can and signs of a bear's presence, though the sow and her cub eluded the search party. Area Wildlife Manager Jason Duetsch, as obtained by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, advised residents, "The resident experiencing bear conflicts should contact CPW directly as we are able to provide education, advice and track wildlife movement in order to make more-informed management decisions."
The reminder comes at a time when bears are gearing up for winter hibernation, embarking on an eating frenzy that can have them ingest up to 20,000 calories daily. This period of hyperphagia leads to an uptick in bear sightings and conflicts as they encroach upon human territories in search of sustenance. Trash, which is the leading attractant, is therefore a critical concern for neighborhood safety and wildlife well-being. The CPW suggests utilizing bear-resistant trash cans, securing garbage until collection day, and being diligent about locking up potential bear access points like garages and cars. Additionally, residents are encouraged to forgo birdfeeders during this critical bear season.
