State will be strict about bear-feeding regulations
Because of continuing bear conflicts in residential areas in southwest Colorado, the Colorado Division of Wildlife plans to begin stricter enforcement of regulations that require removal of materials that attract bears from properties.
Late spring frosts and dry weather have limited natural sources of food for bears. The situation is causing bears to look for food in towns, rural subdivisions and campgrounds. Some conflicts have been reported: bears have broken into restaurants and houses, and are getting into garbage cans, bird feeders and dumpsters.
“Although bears’ natural food sources are down, it is important to ensure they look for food in the wild,” explained Tony Gurzick, assistant southwest regional manager for the Colorado Division of Wildlife in Durango. “But bears look for the easiest sources of food available, and they are finding them in residential areas. People need to understand that trash cans and bird feeders attract bears. With just a little forethought people can assure that bears aren’t attracted to their homes.”
If bears don’t find food easily in an area they will move on. But if people leave out food sources, the conflicts will grow worse.
Once a bear is no longer wary of people, they may become a nuisance or damage property. Bears that cause serious problems must be relocated or euthanized.
“Bears that damage property don’t make good candidates for relocation,” explained Gurzick. “It’s simply unfair to move a genuine problem bear into another neighborhood.”
In the Durango area during the last few weeks wildlife officers have been forced to kill three bears.
“The last thing we want to do is trap and kill bears,” Gurzick said. “Bears are just following their instincts. We don’t trap bears for eating garbage or bird seed, but if they break into houses or cross the line from what is ‘natural bear behavior’ we have no choice but to take action.”
Under Colorado Division of Wildlife regulations, a property owner or resident who leaves bear attractants on a property can be ticketed. Fines start at $68, but subsequent fines may be much higher.
Property owners will receive one warning that will explain what bear attractants must be removed. If the problems are not taken care of immediately a ticket will be issued.
“We will continue to educate people and issue warnings, but in some cases writing tickets is appropriate. We are seeing an increase in urban bear conflicts and the problems are likely to get worse. By taking some simple precautions you can avoid a ticket and help reduce black bear conflicts.”
Please, follow these simple guidelines:
- If a bear is in your area, take down bird feeders;
- Clean up around bird feeders and leave no seeds on the ground.
- Put out garbage only on the day of pick-up.
- Store garbage in a secure building or bear-proof container.
- Keep garage doors closed at all times; close household doors and garden level windows when you are not home.
- Do not leave pet food or dishes outside.
- Rinse garbage and recycling containers regularly with water and ammonia.
- Pick-up fruit that falls to the ground from trees.
If you see a bear causing problems call the DOW or local law enforcement.
“We will be talking to people in areas with a lot of bear activity. You can help by talking to your neighbors who don’t know about bear behavior,” Gurzick said. “With a little extra effort we can co-exist with bears. If we don’t change our behavior, we will be responsible for the fatal consequences to the bears.”