Jared Polis signed a new law yesterday aimed at cracking down on people who feed or unintentionally attract bears in Colorado.
The legislation lowers the legal burden of proof from “intentionally” attracting bears to “knowingly” creating situations that lure them with improperly stored food or trash.
Under the new law, anyone who knowingly leaves food or edible waste accessible in an area where there is a reasonable likelihood of attracting bears can now be charged with a misdemeanor offense.
Wildlife officials say unsecured trash, pet food, bird seed, and other food sources are among the leading causes of increased human-bear conflicts across the state. The law is intended to encourage better waste management practices and reduce dangerous encounters between bears and people.
