Easy Ways to Save the Lives of Black Bears in Colorado

Each year in Colorado, dozens of bears have to be relocated or euthanized because of conflicts with humans. Following a few simple steps can help minimize the amount of bear/human conflict, and in turn save the lives of black bears in the state.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department says there is a two-strike policy regarding bears in the state. The first time a bear encounters humans in it's quest for food it can be trapped, tagged, and released in a remote location. The second time it happens the bear generally is destroyed.

Bears generally aren't aggressive toward humans but can be if they are hungry and food is present. Depending on where you live or where you camp, there are some things you can do to reduce your chance of encountering a bear - and in the process possibly save the animal's life.

Follow these tips to help keep bears out of trouble:
- Keep garbage in a well-secured location and only put out garbage on the morning of pickup.
- Clean garbage cans regularly to keep them odor free.
- If you don't have secure storage, put items that might become smelly into the freezer until trash day.
- Don't leave pet food or stock feed outside.
- Bird feeders should be brought in at this time of year -- birds don't need to be fed during the summer.
- If you have bird feeders clean up beneath them, bring them in at night and hang them high so they're completely inaccessible to bears.
- Secure compost piles. Bears are attracted to the scent of rotting food and they'll eat anything.
- Allow grills to burn for a couple of minutes after cooking to burn off grease and to eliminate odors. Clean the grill after each use.
- Clean up thoroughly after picnics in the yard or on the deck. Don't allow food odors to linger.
- If you have fruit trees, pick fruit before it gets too ripe. Don't allow fruit to rot on the ground.
- Always close garage doors.
- Keep the bottom floor windows of your house closed when you're not at home.
- Do not keep food in your car and lock the doors.

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