A quiet Monday afternoon in a south Centennial neighborhood turned unexpectedly wild when a black bear was spotted perched in a tree on a residential block, prompting deputies to shut down the immediate area while wildlife officials raced over. Neighbors were told to keep a safe distance, bring small children and pets indoors, and stay away from the scene until wildlife managers could assess the animal and declare the area safe.
Deputies Hold Perimeter While CPW Responds
Arapahoe County deputies reported that they saw the black bear up in a tree on the 6600 block of S. Pontiac Ct., then notified Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and stayed on scene to hold a perimeter until wildlife officers arrived. In a Facebook update, the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office urged neighbors to keep children and pets indoors, steer clear of the area, and secure attractants such as trash, pet food, and grills.
How Residents Can Help Keep Bears Wild
Colorado Parks and Wildlife notes that most human–bear conflicts come from easily accessible food and advises residents to store trash in a secure building or bear-resistant container, remove bird feeders during high-activity periods, clean and store grills after use, and avoid composting meat or dairy, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Local deputies echoed those tips and said that CPW reported "the bear has moved on from the area" in their Facebook post. If a bear threatens people or livestock, CPW instructs residents to contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife during business hours or call the local sheriff's office or 911 if there is an immediate danger.
