BEAR THIS IN MIND

by Pam North

They're awake and nearby now; ravenous black bears are on the
prowl seeking protein to rebuild the muscle mass lost over their
winter hibernation, and some precautions are in order to avoid
situations and bear enticements that could be detrimental to humans.
All summer they will roam the mountain areas in search of food, and as
fall approaches they will become even more agressive as they bulk up
for another hibernation period.

Black bears need as much as 20,000 calories per day, and their normal
diet consists of nuts, berries and carrion.  Ever the experimental
gourmet, bears are especially amenable to the easily accessible
smorgasbord to be found in garbage cans, pet dishes, picnic coolers,
bird feeders and barbecue grills.  Once a bear, with its acute sense
of smell, locates food associated with humans and pets, it can become
a dangerous nuisance.  Bears are especially fond of foods high in
sugar, fat and starch, and the scent of such goodies can tempt the
animal to use its enormous strength to make a forced entry into a home
or automobile.  Even one instance of finding a food source near
residences or campgrounds can permanently alter a bear's behavior,
establishing the foundation for future conflicts with humans, and
often eventually causing the demise of the bear, as those that prove
to be chronic offenders are shot when their first relocation doesn't
successfully solve the problem.

It only takes basic common sense to minimize and even eliminate
possible problems with bears.  Since food and garbage are the primary
attracting elements, most precautions focus there.  Put trash and
garbage out for collection immediately before scheduled pickups,
and enclose disposed food scraps in airtight containers.  If possible,
use bear-proof trash cans.  Keep pet food and bowls inside, and clean
grills of grease and odors.  Campers should not store food or items
with odors of food in their tents.

Domestic animals can be a target for hungry bears, so care should be
taken that pets are not left outside unattended for long periods of
time, or worse, allowed to run loose (mountain lions and coyotes are
also a threat to pets).  

While many residents of mountain communities and visiting
campers already are aware of how easy it is to accidentally attract
wildlife, the expanding Front Range population includes many new
residents who have never lived in close proximity to large wildlife
before.  Unaware of the potential problems and dangers, newcomers even
have been known to purposely put out food to attract wild animals.
New neighbors should be educated in these aspects by residents who
know better.

Our native wildlife populations are one of the joys of mountain
living, and, at the same time, are one of the treasures we must
protect.  Existing in intelligent, respectful harmony with them is one
important way to accomplish this.