Colorado is home to a large population of black bears. As the weather warms up and people spend more time outdoors, it’s important to take precautions to avoid negative encounters with these powerful animals.

Understanding Bear Behavior

Black bears are naturally shy and wary of humans. However, they are also intelligent, resourceful, and have an incredible sense of smell. Bears are opportunistic foragers, meaning they will seek out the easiest, most calorie-rich food sources available.
During late summer and early fall, bears need to consume around 20,000 calories per day to prepare for hibernation. This can lead them to seek out human food sources like trash, bird feeders, and pet food.

When bears become habituated to human food, they can lose their natural fear of people and may even enter homes, garages, or vehicles in search of a meal.

Protecting Your Home and Property

To avoid attracting bears to your property, follow these tips:

Secure trash: Store trash in bear-resistant containers or enclosures, and only put it out for collection on the morning of pick up. Clean trash cans regularly with ammonia or bleach to eliminate odors that attract bears.

Remove bird feeders: Bird feeders are a major attractant for bears. If you live in bear country, it’s best not to feed birds during the active bear season (April to October).

Feed pets indoors: Avoid feeding pets outside, as the smell of pet food can attract bears.

Protect gardens and fruit trees: If you have a garden or fruit trees, protect them with electric fencing. Pick fruit as soon as it ripens, and clean up any fallen fruit.

Close doors and windows: Keep doors and windows closed and locked, especially at night and when you’re away from home.

Use deterrents: If a bear approaches your home, try to scare it away with loud noises like yelling, blowing an air horn, or banging pots and pans.

Staying Safe During Outdoor Activities

When enjoying Colorado’s great outdoors, be aware of the potential for bear encounters.

Hike in groups: Hiking in groups is safer than hiking alone.

Make noise: Alert bears to your presence by making noise while hiking.

Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to any signs of recent bear activity, such as tracks or scat.

Carry bear spray: Carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Store food properly: When camping, store food in bear-resistant containers or hang it high between two trees.

By taking these precautions, Colorado citizens can coexist peacefully with bears and enjoy the summer season safely.

©️ The Rocky Mountain Dispatch LLC. 2025