Living in the beautiful landscapes of Southwest Colorado comes with its unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to sharing the land with black bears. These majestic creatures are a vital part of the ecosystem, but to live safely alongside them, it’s important to follow a few key guidelines. Here are some tips to help you coexist peacefully and avoid dangerous encounters:
1. Secure Your Trash
Bears have an incredible sense of smell and are often attracted to garbage. Use bear-resistant trash cans or store your trash indoors until collection day. Never leave food scraps, packaging, or anything with an odor outside, as these can draw bears into residential areas.
2. Keep Bird Feeders Out of Reach
Bird feeders are another common attractant for bears. If you choose to have bird feeders, make sure they are inaccessible to bears, or consider removing them entirely, especially during the warmer months when bears are most active.
3. Properly Store Pet Food and Livestock Feed
Pet food and livestock feed should be stored in a secure location, such as inside your house, garage, or a bear-proof container. Feeding pets outdoors can also attract bears, so it’s best to feed them indoors.
4. Manage Fruit Trees and Gardens
If you have fruit trees or a garden, regularly harvest ripe fruit and vegetables to prevent them from becoming a food source for bears. Consider using electric fencing to protect your garden.
5. Maintain a Clean Campsite
When camping in bear country, never leave food, cooking utensils, or coolers unattended. Store all food in bear-proof containers or hang it from a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the trunk. Always clean up thoroughly after meals and dispose of waste properly.
6. Be Bear Aware When Hiking
When hiking in bear country, make noise to avoid surprising a bear, especially in areas with dense vegetation or near streams where bears might be foraging. Travel in groups, carry bear spray, and know how to use it. If you encounter a bear, stay calm, do not run, and slowly back away while facing the bear.
7. Educate Yourself and Your Neighbors
Learn as much as you can about black bears and share this knowledge with your community. The more informed everyone is, the safer you will all be. Bear Smart Durango offers a wealth of resources on living safely with bears and reducing human-bear conflicts.
Living in harmony with black bears requires mindfulness and responsible behavior. By following these tips, you can help ensure the safety of both yourself and these incredible animals.
For more information and resources, visit Bear Smart Durango.