What to Do When Bears Come to Town in Northern Colorado
Be Bear Aware
If it feels like there have been a lot more bear sightings around Fort Collins, Loveland and Northern Colorado lately, you’re not imagining things. As fall approaches, Colorado black bears become extremely focused on one thing: food!
And I for one wanted to know the best way to respond if/ when my little dog and I come face to face with one of these hungry bears.
Knowing More About The Wildlife We Share Our State With
Apparently, during this time of year, bears enter a phase called hyperphagia, when they may spend up to 20+ hours a day searching for enough calories to prepare for winter. And sometimes that search leads them right into our Northern Colorado neighborhoods.
While seeing a bear wandering through town can be exciting (and definitely neighborhood-group-chat worthy!), it’s important to know how to safely share our communities with Colorado wildlife.
What Should You Do If You See a Bear?
First, stay calm and don’t run. And, don’t spend time getting pictures or social media worthy content! Give the bear plenty of room and make sure it has an easy way to leave. Never approach a bear for a photo or get between a mother and her cubs.
If the bear hasn’t noticed you, quietly back away. If it does see you, make your presence known by speaking calmly while continuing to give it space. If a black bear becomes aggressive or attacks, Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommends fighting back rather than playing dead when dealing with black bears.
And if you regularly walk or hike in bear country, consider wearing something like a bear bell and carrying bear spray. Be sure to know how to use that spray before you need it!
Is Your Home Accidentally Inviting Bears Over for Dinner?
One of the best ways to practice bear safety in Northern Colorado is to remove the food sources that attract bears in the first place.
Keep trash secured inside a garage or bear-resistant container until collection day. And, consider only putting trash cans out the morning of, not the night before trash pick up day. Bring pet food indoors, clean your grill after using it, pick ripe fruit and clean up anything that has fallen from fruit trees. Bird feeders can also become an easy high-calorie meal for a hungry bear.
And don’t forget your car! Bears have an amazing sense of smell and can be attracted by food, wrappers and other scented items left inside. Keep vehicle doors locked and remove anything that might smell like dinner.
Why Bear Safety Matters for the Bears Too
There’s another important reason to avoid allowing bears to find food around our homes. Once a bear learns that neighborhoods provide easy meals, it may continue returning and become increasingly comfortable around people.
Keeping food and garbage inaccessible helps protect Northern Colorado residents, pets and the bears themselves.
One of the things I love most about living in Northern Colorado is how close we are to nature. Whether you live near the foothills, along one of our open spaces or in the middle of town, wildlife is part of what makes this area special.
So enjoy that bear sighting from a safe distance! And maybe take a quick look around your home afterward to make sure you’re not unintentionally running the neighborhood bear buffet.
Shannon the Curious Realtor
Helping you stay curious about homes, neighborhoods and life in Northern Colorado
Written by Shannon Miller with the Weinland Team at RE/MAX Alliance
Phone: (970) 818-8895
Email: Shannon@TheWeinlandTeam.com
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