Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials report that black bears are emerging from their dens and are looking for food.
The agency has already received more than 80 reports of bear activity in 17 Colorado counties this year and that number is expected to increase substantially in the coming months, according to a news release.
As bear activity increases, wildlife officials are urging residents to secure food and scents that could attract the animals.
Bears should not eat from trash receptacles, bird feeders or other human-provided food sources around homes or businesses, CPW officials said.
The first bears to emerge from their winter dens are typically males (boars) followed by females (sows) that did not give birth to cubs over the winter. The last bears to emerge from winter dens are the females who gave birth to this year’s cubs, usually in late April, according to the release.
Early-season natural food sources for bears include grasses, aspen buds and other vegetative matter that is beginning to sprout. Those food sources are gentle and help a bear’s digestive system and metabolism adjust back to normal after not consuming anything for months, the release said.
CPW offered these tips for bear-proofing homes:
• Keep garbage in a well-secured location. Only put out garbage on the morning of pickup.
• Clean garbage cans regularly to keep them free of food odors; ammonia is effective.
• Keep garage doors closed. Do not leave pet food or stock feed outside.
• Use a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster.
• Do not hang bird feeders between April 15 and Nov. 15. Attract birds naturally with flowers and water baths.
• Don’t allow bears to become comfortable around your house. If you see one, haze it by yelling, throwing things at it and making loud noises to scare it off.
• Secure compost piles. Bears are attracted to the scent of rotting food.
• Clean the grill after each use, and clean up thoroughly after cookouts.
• If you have fruit trees, don’t allow the fruit to rot on the ground.
For additional tips for dealing with bears and other information about the animals, visit cpw.state.co.us/living-bears.
Get more Colorado news by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter.