Post-Hybernation Bears Are Already Getting Into Human Trouble

COLORADO – As spring warms up the state of Colorado, nature is warming up too. Colorado Parks and Wildlife wants you to remember that bears are emerging from their hibernation slumbers and on the lookout for just one thing: Food!

Already, a bear reportedly broke into an unlocked Subaru in Breckenridge, lured by an unopened baggy of gummy bears. Cate Siegel told 9NEWS she made an unpleasant discovery that the bear trashed her car as she was getting ready for work.

"My dashboard, the side panels on the door are ripped apart. The back panel's ripped apart. There’s a bite out of the passenger seat. Yes, the list goes on," she told the station.

But the human activity most attractive to bears is leaving out the garbage, CPW said.

"Human-bear conflicts are most often due to people's careless treatment of trash and food," said CPW spokesperson Rebecca Ferrell.

"We stress it every year, small behaviors by people can make a huge difference for bears," said Tom Davies, district wildlife manager in Summit County in a statement. "We need people to keep cars and garages locked, keep attractants out of reach and properly use and lock bear-proof trash cans. When you are living in bear country, you have a responsibility to follow ordinances and be conscientious. If you don't, you should expect that we will be issuing warnings and fines."

Two Breckenridge bears decided to skip hibernation this year because they had access to food and garbage all winter, CPW said. "Not only did they not hibernate, but [they] put on over 60 pounds," the agency said.

"Some bears near our cities don't hibernate because there is a constant source of food ranging from garbage to bird feeders to dog food and whatever they can find in open garages," said Frank McGee, area wildlife manager for the Pikes Peak region in a press release. "That is why we asked Manitou Springs to pass an ordinance to mandate bear-proof trash cans. And we believe it's working. We're making a similar effort with Colorado Springs."

Bears are omnivores and primarily eat vegetation such as grasses, forbs, berries, acorns, and seeds, the agency said. "But if human-provided food is easy to access, bears will begin looking in residential areas for their next meal."

Being bear aware not only protects your home and property, but it can also save a bear’s life.

Tips from CPW to prevent human/bear conflicts include:

• Keep garbage in a well-secured enclosure and only put out garbage on the morning of pickup; bring in empty cans back inside before dark.
• Use a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster. These are available online or from your trash hauler.
• Clean all garbage cans regularly to keep them odor free. The scent of ammonia can deter bears.
• Take down all bird feeders by April 15 – bird feeders are a major source of bear/human conflicts. Birds don't need to be fed during the spring and summer. Hang feeders again in mid-November.
• Don't leave pet food or stock feed outside – never provide food sources for any wildlife.
• Keep garage doors and windows closed and locked, especially between dusk and dawn.
• Don’t leave attractants such as snacks, food wrappers, gum, or even scented hand lotions in your car; and always lock vehicle doors.
• Use bear boxes or bear-proof containers for food and scented items when camping.
• Don't leave food outside while camping. If bear boxes aren't available local all food in a vehicle.
• Review CPW’s Bearproofing Your Home Fact Sheet and conduct a home audit to be sure you are not attracting bears to your property.
• Talk to your neighbors and kids about being bear aware.