Under an updated Colorado law, a person is guilty of a misdemeanor for placing food or edible waste in the open to lure a wild bear. This includes food refuse left out in unsecured trash cans. The new law repeals the requirement that a first offense be given a warning and raises the fine for a third or subsequent offense from $2,000 to $5,000
The law requires all residents to secure trash by keeping garbage inside a locked garage or sturdy building, or use a certified bear-resistant container. According to the new law, trash cans should not come out into the open until after 6am on trash day. Here is where you can read the law: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1342
Additionally pet food should be similarly secured. It is important to monitor pets at all times when outdoors and be aware of your surroundings.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) there have been double the reported bear sightings compared to last year at this time. Data shows that last year 57% of bear sightings were linked to food found in the trash. Sixty-eight black bears were relocated, while 98 were euthanized because of incidents with humans.
There are nearly 20,000 bears in Colorado. CPW says drought conditions and fire have destroyed many food sources driving wildlife into lower elevations in search of food.
For information on how to better bear-proof your trash go to this CPW document: https://cogs.us/DocumentCenter/View/9763/Bearproofing-Trash—Colorado-Parks-and-Wildlife-PDF
Featured photo Shannon Lukens/courtesy of the Steamboat Pilot & Today, 2020
