As the leaves change and the air cools, Colorado's black bears are busy scarfing down upwards of 20,000 calories a day, the equivalent of an absurd amount of fast food, to pack on fat for the winter hibernation. This intense period of feeding, known as hyperphagia, has prompted Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to issue a reminder to residents: Keep your trash cans locked and your pet food indoors. According to CPW, nearly half the bear incidents last year happened in the prime bear-spotting months of August, September, and October.
With an increased chance of bear-human encounters this season, CPW is doubling down on its warnings. They're not just saying to responsibly manage trash; they're begging you to take it seriously to ensure both human and bear safety. Keeping Bears Wild, a tenet of BearWise, a program the agency supports, underscores the danger of these often adorable creatures getting too cozy in human-dominated spaces.
The bottom line: When bears snack on garbage instead of their natural diet of berries, plants, and nuts, it's bad news. Closing the all-you-can-eat buffet that is an unsecured trash can might seem like a small act, but it's significant for the safety of Colorado's communities and its bears. CPW's plea is clear: living BearWise means no bird feeders brimming with seeds when bears are on the prowl and keeping those barbecue grills spotless post-cookout.
And if you were thinking of watching the furry drama unfold with a pair of binoculars, think again. "Never Feed or Approach Bears" is CPW's rule number one for a reason. Breaking it doesn’t just risk a serious bear encounter; it trains these wild animals to seek out humans as a food source. This isn't a case of a nosy neighbor; it's a wild animal that may not understand why today's leftovers aren't up for grabs.
For the outdoorsy types, remember the BearWise basics: keep your eyes open, secure your snacks, and whatever you do, don’t treat bear spray like mosquito repellent. If you're planning a backcountry getaway, know the drill for a safe camp devoid of bear attractants. Should you be graced with a bear sighting, CPW advises to back away slowly and have your bear spray at the ready – only to be used if Mr. Bear decides you're more interesting than the wilderness buffet.
